Imagination Unleashed at National Art Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony

Posted on: 12 Feb 2018

The winners of one of the nation’s largest and longest-running art competitions have been announced at Croke Park. 30,000 entries were received for the annual Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) All Ireland Art Competition, now in its 34^th year. The eleven category winners, from all age groups, attended the official prize-giving ceremony accompanied by family and friends. They received cash prizes from broadcasting personality Marty Whelan.

‘Set Your Imagination Free’ was the theme of the 2017 All Ireland Credit Union Art Competition, designed to give a wide-ranging scope to entrants to express their creativity and individuality. In addition to the ten individual winners and one group winner, there were 22 runner-up and merit awards. Age categories encompassed 7-years-and-under to 18-years-and-over, and a category for artists with learning difficulties. The competition is facilitated by credit unions in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Winning entries featured such imaginative interpretations of the theme as underwater scenes, space oddities, mythical creatures and city skylines.  The winners hailed from corners of Ireland stretching from Westport to Wexford and Irvinestown in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, ILCU President, Charles Murphy said: “There is a thriving creative and artistic culture in local communities across the island of Ireland and the credit union movement is dedicated to supporting and developing this culture. Our annual art event is just one example of the great work credit unions do in their local communities to ensure that both young and old have an outlet for their creative skills.”

Mr Murphy continued “I was greatly impressed by the depth of talent demonstrated in the beautiful artwork on display in Croke Park. It was very interesting to see how uniquely each of the artists interpreted the theme. I extend a huge congratulations to each and every artist that participated in this competition and I look forward to seeing more artistic creations in the future.”

 ART COMPETITION WINNERS

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