The ASA Medal is awarded annually to an Australian author or illustrator who has made an outstanding contribution to Australian culture as both a creator and an advocate. The recipient will have a significant body of work, and, in addition, will have strived to encourage and support their peers, having mentored and fostered emerging writers and/or illustrators.

We are delighted to announce the 2024 ASA Medal has been awarded to Ann James!

Ann James is one of Australia’s most prolific and accomplished illustrators, with over 70 award-winning books illustrated including The Midnight Gang, Dog In, Cat Out, Little Humpty, Lucy Goosey, and Goodbye House, Hello House. She has made a stunning contribution to Australian literary culture and has been unparalleled in her generous support of the Australian illustrating community.

Beyond her acclaimed illustrating career, Ann James has given back to Australian literature generously, both in terms of her advocacy and her mentorship of Australian illustrators. James established the Society of Book Illustrators (SoBI) with David Wong and Terry Denton in 1988, and then coordinated SoBI until the merger with the ASA in 1996. James then proceeded to serve on the ASA board for 20 years, fighting long and hard for Educational Lending Rights, establishing the ASA Style File, and frequently sharing her expertise through portfolio assessments and professional development events.

In collaboration with Ann Haddon, Ann James established Books Illustrated, to elevate and celebrate the art of picture book illustration. James was a founding director of the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation and served on the board for 10 years. As a mentor, she has supported some of Australia’s most successful new illustrators, including Sadami Konchi and Karen Briggs. James has worked tirelessly with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as an ambassador, running writing and illustration programs, and aiding the publication of picture books in remote Indigenous communities. James’ reach has been international, helping to establish the Hello! from Australia Publishing Collective Stand at the Bologna Book Fair, and advancing the international profile of Australian authors and illustrators.

The ASA is thrilled to announce that from 2023, the ASA Medal will be offered annually. The award was previously biennial.

Past esteemed recipients include Helen Garner (2023), Bruce Pascoe (2021), Thomas Keneally (2019), Edel Wignell (2017), Valerie Parv AM (2014), Nadia Wheatley (2014), Robert Pullan (2012), Hazel Edwards OAM (2009), Glenda Adams (2007), Inga Clendinnen AO (2005), Tim Winton (2003) and Anita Heiss (2003).