RTE’s ‘This is Art!’ competition, supported by Creative Ireland and the Shared Island Initiative, is back and is now open. Young people aged 18 and under are invited to enter and use their creativity to bring nature to life. This all-island competition is open across five categories and to all abilities (Age 7 and under, Age 8 to 11, Age 12 to 15, Age 16 to 18 and the Group category). The competition encourages participants to use any form, from paintings and drawings to sculptures, photography, digital art, or even creating something using natural materials or upcycled materials. To enter the competition, entrants must photograph their artwork and submit it digitally. Create, snap, and upload to rte.ie/thisisart by midnight on January 1st. Entries are free, and all details can be found on rte.ie/thisisart.

This year, a stellar panel of judges have come together for the all-island competition. The lineup includes renowned street artists Maser and Joe Caslin, award-winning fashion designer Helen Steele, Limerick Mary Conlon and Sean Ronayne, a Cork-born ornithologist and wildlife sound-recordist. The five judges will be immersed in the creativity of young people from across Ireland and will have the opportunity to award some of the most innovative artworks.

‘This is Art!’ champions the creativity, originality and self-expression of today’s young people, empowering them to express themselves through whatever medium they choose. A prize fund of €10,000 will offer awards and bursaries for winners across the five categories. Similar to last year, Maser will design and create this year’s category winner trophies, providing young recipients with a unique piece of art to cherish forever. The bursaries will encourage young artists to develop and invest in their talents. Beyond the prizes, more than one hundred shortlisted entries will receive personal commendations and recognition from the judges for their work.

‘This is Art!’ has always been much more than an art competition. This is an opportunity to celebrate the artistic talents of young people today. Its goal is to encourage these individuals to embrace their creativity and empower the next generation of young artists by showcasing their work in an online gallery. The theme for this year is “This is Nature!” This theme provides a blank canvas for emerging creatives and young artists of all abilities to bring their imagination to life. Participants are encouraged to explore the magic of nature in various ways, whether through the outdoors, the natural elements found in their garden, or by exploring the human form and the behaviours of humankind.

Speaking on the launch of ‘This is Art’:

RTÉ’s Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content said: “For the past four years, This is Art! has amazed us with the level of creativity and originality we’ve seen. Every year this unique competition grows and grows, and it really is a privilege that we here at RTÉ can help curate & provide continuous access to this amazing art treasure trove for the entire nation. We’re excited to announce this year’s theme: This is Nature!  And we can’t wait to see the fresh ideas and unique talent it will inspire. Submissions are now open — get ready to create!”

Dublin-based street artist, Maser, who is a returning This Is Art! judge, said: “I was blown away by the variety and quality of entries when I previously judged this competition. Ireland is full of wildly creative children, I look forward to once again seeing that first hand.”

Helen Steele is a highly acclaimed award winning Irish designer and artist and gave her competition insights: “The subject of nature is a beautiful one at this time of year – the changing of the light, the leaves falling on the ground, the arrival of the geese and swans migrating here for our mild winters. Let’s embrace what’s around us to create some stunning art.”

Mary Conlon, who is Director of Leitrim Arts Centre The Dock, said: “I see unique creativity daily in my role at The Dock and I encourage the next generation to use their imagination to spark something they can be really proud of – that’s where the joy of art and nature can meet.”

Last year’s ‘This Is Art!’ competition received over 3,000 entries from young artists aged 18 and under. If you or someone you know is an aspiring young artist who could bring to life the theme of This is Nature! encourage them to get involved and upload their entry for free on rte.ie/thisisart. The competition closes at midnight on January 1st. Submitted entries can be viewed in the digital gallery, which is a growing repository of young people’s talent and creativity. Visit rte.ie/thisisart for more info on how to enter.