About

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:

General Category
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 23 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 below briefs:
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, 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.

Categories:

There are two categories represented in the Credit Union Art Competition, General Category and 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 below briefs:

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, 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.