The Credit Union Art Competition 2020 has landed! This year’s theme is “Imagine More”, encouraging entrants to think past the current situation and imagine. Imagine More is influenced by the creative role art plays in Irish society and encourages participants to unlock their imagination and look at how art inspires us and our communities. Despite the current challenges, art has kept people from all walks of life connected and this year’s theme encourages participants to express this connectivity on paper or canvass.
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. This competition requires entrants to draw or paint posters using pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt tip marker, crayon, pastel, watercolours, 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.
Application Form
Application Forms are available at our office and or download the Art Competition Application Form here
Closing Date
Closing date for submissions: 8pm 16th October 2020
Categories
There are two categories represented in the Credit Union Art Competition, General Category and Category for People with Disabilities. The category for people with disabilities 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 the 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, age, date 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, watercolours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, woodblock 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 the 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.
Entries to the Category for People with Disabilities are invited from children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Entrants must clearly tick on the entry form if they wish to be considered for this category. Entrants in this category are not required to use the theme.