08 September 2025
The Credit Union Art Competition 2025 — A Creative Call for Carrick-on-Suir
Unleash your imagination! The Credit Union Art Competition, now in its 42nd year, is back and on the lookout for creative expression from all ages and abilities across Ireland. This year’s inspiring theme, “The Future is…”, invites artists to envision tomorrow—whether it’s bold, hopeful, imaginative, or deeply personal.
Why You Should Get Involved
- Everyone is welcome. From primary-school pupils to adult artists, individuals with additional needs, and even group entries—creativity has no age or ability limits.
- Free to enter. There's no entry fee—just your vision and creativity.
- Real visibility. With over 25,000 entries annually, this competition is a meaningful stage for every artist to be seen.
Categories: Make Your Mark
There are two main categories:
- General Category
- Ages: 7 & under; 8–10; 11–13; 14–17; and Adults (18+) (ages as of 31 December 2025).
- Individual entries only.
- Additional Needs Category
- Designed for children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities.
- Participants may choose to opt out of the theme, submitting art freely.
- Group entries are allowed here and judged together regardless of age.
How to Enter
- Drop by or contact us to pick up an entry form—or simply contact us for details.
- Complete the form and attach it securely to the back of the artwork. Ensure all required details are filled in.
Art Guidelines & Rules
- Artwork format: A3 or A2, landscape orientation only. Portrait entries are disqualified.
- Media allowed: Traditional materials such as pencil, charcoal, pen, ink, felt-tip, crayon, pastel, watercolour, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour, collage, or print techniques like lino-block or wood-block. CAD and artwork under glass are not allowed.
- Single entry only: Each artist may submit once per year.
- Original work required: For minors, entries must be certified as original by a parent, guardian, teacher, or facilitator. For adults, the entrant self-certifies.
- Submission Acknowledgement: Once submitted, artwork becomes the property of the competition organizers and may be reproduced or returned at their discretion. They do not accept liability for loss or damage.
Competition Process & Key Dates
The competition progresses through three stages:
- Local Credit Union Level (Stage 1) – Final submission to Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union.
- Regional / Chapter Level (Stage 2) – Selected entries move on here.
- National Final (Stage 3) – Judged by independent artists on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions.
Suggested timeline (though local dates may vary—so check with us!):
- Stage 1 (local): by Friday 24 October 2025
- Stage 2 (regional): by Friday 21 November 2025
- Stage 3 (national final): Friday 5 December 2025
What's in It for You?
- Prizes at every level. Local winners receive recognition and prizes, while national finalists can win cash prizes at a national ceremony in February.
- Artistic exposure. The competition offers a powerful platform to showcase creativity and inspire communities.
- Celebrate creativity. Whether you're drawing from imagination or painting a hopeful future, your artwork has the power to connect, inspire, and uplift.
Ready to Join In?
If you’re bursting with ideas for “The Future is…”, we’d love to see your artwork here in Carrick-on-Suir. Let’s make this 2025 edition memorable!
Next Steps:
- Pop into Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union or check our local branch website to confirm participation and collect your entry form.
- Prepare your artwork in one of the accepted media, in landscape, and ensure the form is fully completed and attached.
- Submit before our local deadline (TBD)—we’ll be happy to keep you posted!
Explore More:
- Learn more about the competition’s About, How to Enter, Competition Stages, Rules, and FAQs on the official Credit Union Art Competition 2025 pages.
- Not sure about categories or deadlines? Drop in or contact us—we’re here to help.
Let those creative sparks fly—“The Future is…” yours to imagine.
