About the Competition
The Credit Union Art Competition has been a feature of life for young and old throughout Ireland for decades. This competition plays an important role in promoting the culture of art, a vital cog in our national identity.
Arts, in particular, bring life to the imagination, allowing thoughts to become reality, no matter who you are or where you come from. In line with the culture and ethos of the credit union, everyone is welcome. The Credit Union Art Competition caters for all ages ranging from 7 years & under to 18 years & over, across all corners of the island of Ireland.
This competition requires entrants to draw or paint posters using pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt tip marker, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Posters are required to be either A3 (420 x 297 mm) or A2 (594 x 420mm) and landscape orientation. Portrait orientation entries will be disqualified from adjudication.
Categories
There are two categories represented in the Credit Union Art Competition, a General Category and an Additional Needs Category. The Additional Needs Category encourages participants with physical or intellectual disabilities to submit entries in free expression without the restriction of the competition’s official theme if they wish. This category also allows for group entries. All group entries will be judged together – while no age categories apply.
Judging process
The Credit Union Art Competition consists of three stages. Stage 1 is run solely by local credit unions around the country. Stage 2 moves on to Chapter level, which consists of 24 different regional finals around the country. Stage 3 of the Competition is the National Final, which is judged by independent artists on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions.
To be considered for judging at any level, entries must follow the briefs below :
- All entries must be submitted in either A3 (420 x 297mm) or A2 (594 x 420mm) and landscape orientation. Portrait oriented entries will be disqualified from adjudication.
- Name, address, month and year of birth and other details (where applicable) must be clearly printed on the entry form and then attached to the back of the entry. Any entries bearing incomplete entry forms may not be considered.
- The entry can be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, wood block or any other method may also be submitted. No computer aided design (CAD) may be entered. No pieces of art under glass will be accepted, as we cannot be responsible for same.
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 will be judged by local credit unions, who may enlist the help of local artists. Stage 3 – National Final, will be judged by three high profile artists who look for originality, creativity and inspiration throughout the pieces.
Our Additional Needs Category will be judged by an artist who specialises in teaching art for people with disabilities. Entries to the Additional Needs Category are invited from children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Entrants in this category are not required to use the theme.
Competition Stages
The Credit Union Art competition is composed of three stages – Credit Union, Chapter and National Final stages. The closing date for stage 1 in Blackrock Credit Union is November 3rd 2023. Entrants must enter at credit union level stage one to progress to the following stages. The winning entries from stage one are passed to Chapter for adjudication at a regional (second) stage before the winners only at this level are forwarded to the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) for final (national) judging.
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions about the Artwork Competition
Is Blackrock Credit Union participating in the Credit Union Art Competition?
Yes, Blackrock Credit Union is delighted to be participating in the 2023 Credit Union Art Competition. We are really looking forward to receiving and judging your entries so please get them in to us before the deadline of November 3rd 2023.
Do I get my artwork back?
We can return your artwork to you on request after the judging at stage 1 and stage 2 has been completed. Artwork that reaches National Final stage will be kept in possession of the Irish League of Credit Unions until after the competition.
How do I get an entry form?
You can download an entry form here or pop in to our office at 1 Carysfort Avenue to pick up an entry form.
When is the closing date?
For stage 1, please ensure your entry is received in Blackrock Credit Union by Friday November 3rd 2023.
Who can enter the Credit Union Art Competition?
Anyone can enter the Credit Union Art Competition! All ages and all abilities are welcome to submit an entry to the competition. The Credit Union Art Competition consists of two categories. The General Category and the Additional Needs Category, entries to the Additional Needs Category are invited from children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Entrants in this category can enter the competition free of the theme if they wish.
What art materials can be used?
Entries to the Credit Union Art Competition can be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, wood block or any other method may also be submitted. No computer aided design (CAD) may be entered. No pieces of art under glass will be accepted, as we cannot be responsible for its safe return.
Can I enter more than once?
Entrants to the Credit Union Art Competition may only enter the competition once in any given year.
When will winners be notified?
Winners of the Credit Union Art Competition will be notified by the credit union in which their entry came through. This will be done after the closing date of each stage.
What is a group entry?
A group entry to the Credit Union Art Competition is an entry to the Additional Needs Category. Group entries can comprise of a mix of age groups and can enter free from the theme if they so wish.
Can I enter through my school/Independent of my school?
Entry forms have already been sent to all local schools in the Blackrock and Booterstown area. The Credit Union Art Competition can be done either through your school or independently by downloading an entry form here or by popping in for an entry form to our office at 1 Carysfort Avenue in Blackrock.
How will the pieces be judged ?
Judging will take place at each stage of the competition. In the early stages of the competition, the competition is judged locally via your local credit union. Credit unions may also opt to enlist the help of local artists in the judging process.
The National Final staged is judged by well-known artists who have years of experience interpreting art from all ages and abilities. They look for creativity, flair and that special something. Their eagle eyes allow them to interpret every piece of art they encounter and step inside the thought process of the artists.
What is the prize/what do you get if you win?
Throughout the three stages, successful artists will receive a prize from their respective local and regional sections.
At stage 1 the winners will receive the following prizes from Blackrock Credit Union:
| Stage 1 | 7 Years & Under | 8 – 10 years
inclusive |
11 – 13 years inclusive | 14 – 17 years inclusive | 18 years & over (Adult) | Group* |
| 1st | €35 | €45 | €55 | €60 | €65 | €75 |
| 2nd | €30 | €35 | €40 | €55 | €60 | €60 |
| 3rd | €20 | €30 | €35 | €40 | €55 | €55 |
*Group section applicable to Additional Needs Category ONLY.
We reserve the right not to award prizes in any category. The decision of the adjudicators is final and no correspondence will be entered into
Winners of the National Final stage will receive a cash prize, which is presented at a National Ceremony in February. As well as the prizes on offer, the Credit Union Art Competition offers exposure for artists of all ages.
This free art competition provides a platform for artist to have their work seen by the public eye. With over 30,000 entries each year, the Credit Union Art Competition is a highly sought after competition to be a part of.
Is the competition free to enter?
The Credit Union Art Competition is a free Irish art competition open to all ages and abilities.
