A new awards program recognising the best in Australian and New Zealand book design will hand out its first accolade in March.

Open to Australian and New Zealand designers, printers and publishers, the biennial Most Beautiful Books – Australia and New Zealand (MBBANZ) has been established by Monash University’s Faculty of Art Design & Architecture (MADA) to recognise originality and innovation in contemporary book design and production.

Modelled on the Most Beautiful Swiss Books program, established in 1943, and drawing influence from other programs of this type in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, the MBBANZ awards are the initiative of a group of industry professionals and book enthusiasts.

Co-founder of the awards and senior lecturer Dr Brad Haylock said the MBBANZ would focus on recognising small and independent publishers in addition to larger publishing entities in Australia and New Zealand.

He said, “There is a vibrant design and publishing culture in Australia and New Zealand and we want to celebrate the most innovative book designs, regardless of scale. We encourage entries of all types including titles from independent and small press publishers.”

There are no entry fees and nominations area allowed from designers, publishers and printers as well as readers, retailers and the broader book loving community.

Recognised local and international experts in book design and publishing will form the panel of five jurors, including designers James Langdon from the UK, Layla Tweedie-Cullen from New Zealand and Warren Taylor, Peter Corrigan and Denise Whitehouse from Australia.

Nominations close March 1.

The shortlisted books can be seen at an exhibition to be held at the MADA Gallery, Monash University Caulfield campus, 900 Dandenong Road, from March 20 to 25.

Award recipients for books published in 2011 and 2012 will be announced at the exhibition opening night on March 20.

International jurors James Langdon and Layla Tweedie-Cullen will speak about their work at a free public lecture, to be presented at the State Library of Victoria, Village Roadshow theatrette, on 18 March 18 from 6 pm.

For guidelines and to nominate visit the Most Beautiful Books – Australia and New Zealand website.