Opening
New
Pathways
Illustrated Arab is a bold response to a growing realization: the extraordinary talent of Arab illustrators and storytellers is underrepresented on the global stage, and the narratives that define the region are too often shaped by stereotypes, not authenticity.
By bridging the gap between regional talent and international opportunities, we’re not just promoting art; we’re fostering cultural exchange, dismantling outdated perceptions, and inspiring future generations.
What We Do
We unite artists, publishers, and institutions to promote diverse perspectives and elevate Arab illustrators and storytellers on a global stage. In the short term, we aim to establish a vibrant artwork brand that increases visibility for Arab creatives through new visual stories and award-winning projects.
In the medium to long term, we focus on building academic and cultural partnerships to raise awareness of participatory narratives, fostering collaborations, and developing training programs for sustainable storytelling. Our work supports those committed to creating economic and social impact through meaningful narratives, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Arab region and empowering its creative voices.
“We are all storyteller. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.”
— Jimmy Neil Smith
Leading Artist
Hassan Manasrah
Award Winning Visual Artist / Printmaker / Comic Creator
Hassan Manasrah is a Palestinian-Jordanian visual artist, printmaker, and comic creator. He has held many solo exhibitions and participated in various group exhibitions in countries worldwide as a visual artist and comic creator.
He also worked as an assistant art director for the international animation cartoon series Pink Panther & Pals by MGM and Rubicon Group Holding. He has published nearly 30 books in various Arab publishing houses and has achieved numerous accomplishments in children's literature and bookmaking.
Hassan Manasra has won numerous local and international awards. He has received The Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature three times and the Mahmoud Kahil Award. Additionally, he was the art director for the short film Diary of a Doctor in the Emergency Room, which won both an Emmy and a Shorty Award. For his outstanding contributions to children's literature, in 2020, he was nominated for the Hans Andersen Award shortlist and other distinguished lists and honor rolls, such as the White Raven list and the iBby list.
Hassan Manasrah found his greatest inspiration in the human experience and nature, which he believed was the driving force behind his artistic process. In his view, human beings were always at the core of dilemmas and the source of profound questions. Hassan takes pleasure in documenting daily events around him to create paintings, sculptures, and stories and seek answers from nature.