This Is
Inspiration!
Inspiration!
This Is Art! Ireland’s national young people’s art competition is back. The theme for 2023 is This Is Inspiration! We want to see what inspires you.
A prize fund of more than €10,000 will be awarded across the different categories for further education and art-related vouchers. So, unleash your creativity and show us your best work.
Artist’s Brief!
Your brief is to consider and respond to the theme “This Is Inspiration!”. We want you to show us what inspires you as a young artist. What is it that compels you to create? Where do you get your ideas from? Show us what sparks your creativity — It could be a face or a feeling, a view, a lyric, a pattern or even a material that inspires you. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or digital maker we want to know how you respond to that initial a moment of inspiration and develop it into a fully formed work of art.
3 Simple Steps
Create
The first step is to explore your medium and materials. Experiment with different techniques, styles, and colours. Your artwork should be a reflection of you and your unique perspective.
Need more guidance?
Check out our Entry Guide.
Snap
Once you've created your artwork, it's time to make a high-quality digital version of it. It's important to make sure your artwork is evenly lit and fully in frame, so that our jury can see all the details and appreciate the piece as it was meant to be seen. Avoid using flash or harsh lighting, watch out for shadows and ask for help from a parent, guardian or teacher if you need to.
Upload
It's important to follow the guidelines and rules provided. Be sure to fill out the application form thoroughly and check that all information is accurate. Make sure that you haven't attached any files upside down. Follow the prompts on the website to upload your artwork and submit your entry before the deadline.
Are you ready to enter? Click here.
How it Works
When you submit your artwork, it will be showcased on our TIA! Digital Gallery for everyone to see. Not only that, selected pieces will be featured by Local Authorities across the country as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. This is a great opportunity for your work to be seen by a wider audience and get recognised for your talent. The winners will be officially announced on 10th June 2023 and awarded prizes including a 5x Grand Prix Winners trophies specially commissioned for TIA!23 by renowned Irish Glass artist, Róisín de Buitléar.
Submit your work and let's see what you've got!
13th March Entries Open
Starting from 13th March, you can submit your work for a chance to win prizes and have your art showcased on our website for all to see. The competition will be open to all abilities across a huge range of visual arts. You can make drawings, paintings, sculptures, digital art, and more.
8th May Entries Closed
You have until midnight on 8th May to submit your entries via our handy website form. We will be publishing a guide on this site very soon on how to best photograph and upload your art. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. So mark your calendars and be sure to submit before our closing date of 8th May.
10th June Winners Announced
The Grand Prix winners from each of our 5 categories will be announced on 10th June 2023 as part of the celebrations for Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity. Our jurors are really excited to get the chance to review all your amazing artworks. We will be showcasing every submitted work here on our website.
Jury Panel
This year, we have an amazing lineup of artists, educators, and curators on our professional jury panel for This Is Art! They're a super creative group who are excited to see the wonderful artwork you'll be submitting! Not only will they pick the winning entries, but they'll also write personal feedback for 100 highly commended artists, giving you valuable feedback and advice to help you become an even better artist.
Tadhg Crowley, Curator at Glucksman Museum, UCC
Aoife Dooley, Illustrator & Author
Ruth Medjber, Photographer
Annie Fletcher, Director of IMMA
Amanda Coogan, Performance Artist
Colin Martin, RHA School & NCAD

Teachers, librarians,
& art lovers!
& art lovers!
Calling all teachers, librarians, art lovers and art educators! If you work with young people. we’d love your help to spread the word and reach as many young artists as possible. Get in touch to register your interest and request a printed version delivered to your school or club. It couldn’t be easier!
Calling all Teachers, Librarians, Educators & Art Lovers!