


Gita Wolf receives Honorary Professorship
Gita Wolf, celebrated author, publisher, curator, and co-founder of the renowned Indian publishing house Tara Books, has been awarded an Honorary Professorship by Norwich University of the Arts. Wolf has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to Publishing and Children’s Literature. With her innovative approach to storytelling and book design, Wolf has significantly influenced the global literary scene.
Modified:
Born in Calcutta, Wolf was educated in various Indian cities, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. She founded Tara Books in 1994 in Chennai, India, establishing it as an independent publishing house. Tara Books operates as a collective, creating its own books and collaborating with diverse talents, from signboard painters to tribal and textile artists. Wolf has been a highly original and creative voice in contemporary Indian publishing, continuously exploring and experimenting with the form of the book as a revered cultural object.
Her journey in literature began with “The Very Hungry Lion” in 1995. Since then, she has authored over 25 books for children and adults, many of which have won major international awards and been translated into multiple languages. Her latest book, “Seed,” combines her experiences as a farmer and a publisher.
Wolf’s work at Tara Books, known for its unique handcrafted publications and emphasis on indigenous art and narrative traditions, has garnered international acclaim. She has advocated for the collaborative nature of publishing, stating, “Publishing is a collaborative enterprise, an act of generosity which shares a creative vision with interested readers.” Her commitment to showcasing indigenous art is evident in her belief that “through their art, we get an insight into the rich life worlds of the indigenous communities of India. Art cuts through language barriers.”
Wolf highlights the crucial role of design in bookmaking, saying, “Design is an important voice in bookmaking—it allows meaning to unfold in particular ways.” Her dedication to integrating art, artisanship, and labour is reflected in Tara Books’ handcrafted publications, which she describes as “essentially affordable artists’ books.”
Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, praised Gita Wolf, stating, “Wolf’s visionary leadership and dedication to preserving and promoting diverse voices through literature have profoundly impacted both the publishing industry and our University community. This honorary professorship celebrates her enduring legacy in the literary world and her pivotal role in shaping contemporary publishing practices.”
In her address to graduates, Wolf expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in publishing.
Related news
-
Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
BA Animation •
Norwich University of the Arts has been named as a Rookies Certified School.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
-
Norwich University of the Arts acquires Mechanism by artist Andrew Kearney
Institution •
The kinetic installation, which transforms the sounds of Norwich into a daily light sequence, was commissioned in 2024 as a temporary intervention for the University’s historic Bank Plain building.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts acquires Mechanism by artist Andrew Kearney
-
Cost of living Support Package 2025-26
Cost of living support •
We are proud of the measures we introduced over the last few years and want to continue many of them in 2025/26 to ensure this support remains in place.
-
Spatial Ecologies Summer Course launches
Student news •
Open to Norwich students, the course will explore ecological approaches to design through hands-on learning and immersive study in nature.
-
Norwich Secures CIM Accreditation for new Marketing Degree
BA Marketing •
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world’s leading professional body for marketing, has awarded Accredited Degree status to Norwich University of the Arts' newly launched BA (Hons) Marketing course.
Read more about Norwich Secures CIM Accreditation for new Marketing Degree
-
In Memory of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE, a valued member of the University’s Governing Body since 2018 and a distinguished leader in design research, innovation, and policy.
Read more about In Memory of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE
-
Norwich University of the Arts opens Phase Two of landmark Bank Plain building
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts has officially opened Phase Two of its ambitious redevelopment at 20 Bank Plain — a landmark Grade II listed building in the heart of Norwich.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts opens Phase Two of landmark Bank Plain building
-
Norwich University of the Arts announces five new Honorary Professors
Graduation •
Five leading figures from the fields of design, fashion, games and the visual arts will be awarded Honorary Professorships at the University’s graduation ceremonies next week.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts announces five new Honorary Professors
-
Toby Hills Wins Prestigious Papin Prize at HETS 2025
Alumni •
Toby Hills, Senior Technician – Immersive & Virtual Production at Norwich University of the Arts, has been named Best Newcomer and awarded a prestigious Papin Prize during the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) 2025 held this week.
Read more about Toby Hills Wins Prestigious Papin Prize at HETS 2025
-
Professor Ben Stopher appointed next Vice-Chancellor
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Ben Stopher as its next Vice-Chancellor.
Read more about Professor Ben Stopher appointed next Vice-Chancellor
-
Celebrating award-winning student work at our Undergrad Festival – and beyond
BA Animation •
This summer saw the launch of the University’s new Sustainability Awards, alongside nominations for Norwich students for a range of high-profile industry awards.
Read more about Celebrating award-winning student work at our Undergrad Festival – and beyond
-
Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2025
BA Graphic Communication •
Norwich students were awarded a total of five pencils at this year’s D&AD New Blood Awards, which showcase recent graduate work across design, advertising and craft.
Read more about Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2025
-
Norwich University of the Arts announces new international partnership with Gresham Global
International •
Gresham Global will act as the University’s official representative in India, widening access to world-class creative education.
-
Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
Institution •
Dr Ellie Nixon and Dr Kirk Woolford have been recognised for their significant contributions to knowledge and high levels of academic achievement.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
-
Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
Alumni •
Read more about Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
-
Norwich University of the Arts moves up 25 places in The Complete University Guide
BA Degree •
Norwich University of the Arts has been ranked among the UK's top two specialist creative arts universities — and the highest outside London — in the 2026 edition of The Complete University Guide
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts moves up 25 places in The Complete University Guide
-
- Filter courses by study level: Undergraduate
- Filter courses by duration: Full time
- Filter courses by entry options: September 2025
- Filter courses by subject: Illustration
Illustration BA (Hons)
Experiment with different illustration mediums and tools as you build your creative identity and professional skills.