RTÉ's This Is Art! competition, supported by Creative Ireland and the Shared Island initiative, is back for a for another year and we're calling on children across the island of Ireland to use their imaginations and embrace the outdoors, with the theme - This is Nature!
This year, participants are encouraged to seek the magic of nature, be it the outdoors, the natural world around us, the human form or even the behaviors of humankind.
The competition promotes artistic practice among young people and encourages and supports creativity, originality and self-expression.
If you or someone you know is a budding young artist who could bring the theme This Is Nature! to life, invite them to get involved and start imagining their submission.
A prize fund of €10,000 will provide awards and bursaries for winners across the five categories.
Now in its fifth year, this all-island competition is open across five categories and to all abilities:
- Age 7 and under
- Age 8 to 11
- Age 12 to 15
- Age 16 to 18
- Group category
A stellar panel of judges has been assembled for the all-Island competition, including renowned street artists Maser and Joe Caslin, award-winning fashion designer Helen Steele, Curator Mary Conlon, and Sean Ronayne, a Cork-born ornithologist and wildlife sound recordist.
Speaking on the launch of This is Art!, RTÉ’s Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children's and Young People's Content said: "For the past four years, This is Art! has amazed us with the level of creativity and originality we’ve seen. Every year this unique competition grows and grows, and it really is a privilege that we here at RTÉ can help curate & provide continuous access to this amazing art treasure trove for the entire nation. We’re excited to announce this year’s theme: This is Nature! And we can’t wait to see the fresh ideas and unique talent it will inspire. Submissions are now open — get ready to create!"
How to enter:
- Create, snap and upload on rte.ie/thisisart by midnight Saturday, 31 January. Entry is free and further information on how to enter is available on rte.ie/thisisart.
- This all-island competition is open to entries from young people aged 0-18 and accepts submissions in any and all forms, from paintings, drawings and sculptures to photography, digital art or even creating something using found or upcycled materials.
Last year's RTÉ This Is Art! competition received over 3,000 entries from young artists aged 18 and under. If you or someone you know is a budding young artist and could bring to life the theme of This is Nature! invite them to get involved and start imagining their submission.
In addition to the €10,000 prize fund, Maser will design and create this year’s category winner trophies, making a bespoke piece of art for winners to treasure forever.
The bursaries will empower young artists to develop their talent with additional education and training. Beyond the prizes, more than one hundred shortlisted entries will receive personal commendations and feedback from the judges on their work.
Click here to see last year's winners.
And, if you need some inspiration, This is Art! Club is streaming now on RTÉ Player!
