How it works
The competition is open to all young people of all abilities, aged 18 and under, residing on the island of Ireland and is inclusive of all visual art disciplines.
There are 5 categories:
- Age 7 and under
- Age 8 to 11
- Age 12 to 15
- Age 16 to 18
- Group category
To Enter
CREATE a piece of original visual art.
SNAP or Scan a digital version of it.
UPLOAD your entry, along with a short artist statement.
All eligible artwork will then be reviewed by an independent panel of jurors and exhibited in our This Is Art! online gallery. Selected works will feature on local authority billboards across the country and on social media.
The Theme
The theme of this year’s competition is ‘This Is Inspiration’.
Jury member Amanda Coogan says: “To inspire means literally ‘to breathe life into’ I’m really looking forward to seeing what it is that inspires you. What ideas have you chosen to breathe life into? And how have you chosen to do it? The brief is wide open so we’re really looking forward to seeing how you respond to it!”
The Prizes
A prize fund of more than €10,000 will be awarded across the different categories for further education and art related vouchers.
The Dates
- Opening date for entries is 13 March
- The closing date for entries is Midnight 8 May
- Winners will be announced on Cruinniú na nÓg, 10 June 2023
Speaking at the launch of This is Art at the Waterford Gallery of Art Minister Catherine Martin said: “It is wonderful to see This is Art! thrive and grow. It’s a very real testament to the talent and creativity of our young people and I am very pleased to officially launch it this year in Waterford. I would encourage children right across the island of Ireland to get creative, have fun and participate in this year’s competition. The lucky winners will be announced on Saturday 10th June 2023 for Cruinniú na nÓg- Ireland’s national day of free creativity for young people.”
RTÉ Director General, Dee Forbes said: “Over the last two years, This is Art! has highlighted the level of creativity that exists among young artists of all ages and all abilities all over the country. We have been so impressed by the quality of the entries we’ve received. So, we’re looking forward to seeing as many young people as possible respond to our invitation to use their imaginations, get creative and get involved in this third edition of This is Art! If the last two years are anything to go by, the judges have another tough job on their hands this year. Good luck to everyone.”
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content, RTÉ also commented: “RTÉ Kids are delighted and proud to help showcase the amazing, talented and creative kids who take part in the This is Art! competition all over the island of Ireland. Together with Creative Ireland we want to encourage as many of you teachers or parents to get your students and children creating. We’d love to see your kids’ artwork entries and have them feature in our digital gallery. Help us show the world what a creative bunch our young people are.”
And if you want to win it all then here are the people you need to impress – the 2023 Jury.
- Annie Fletcher – Director of IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art
- Aoife Dooley – Illustrator
- Tadhg Crowley – Senior Curator, The Glucksman Museum, UCC
- Amanda Coogan – Visual Artist
- Colin Martin – Painter, RHA School, NCAD lecturer
- Ruth Medjber – Photographer
