Killarney Credit Union is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2025 Credit Union Art Competition.

This year’s theme celebrates ‘THE FUTURE IS’

Killarney Credit Union is calling on local artists of all ages to take part in one of Ireland’s longest running and most inclusive art initiatives. The competition invites people from all walks of life to express themselves through creativity, with this year’s theme asking them to reflect on “The Future is…” This year’s theme encourages artists to look ahead with imagination, hope and curiosity.

Participants might explore personal dreams and milestones, a better world for the next generation, or how change and progress might shape our lives and communities.

Whether bold and futuristic or thoughtful and personal, the theme offers endless possibilities for creative interpretation. Now in its 42nd year, the Credit Union Art Competition continues to support and promote creativity at every stage of life. From early learners to lifelong artists, the competition celebrates the power of art to connect, inspire and bring communities together.

Killarney Credit Union believes in supporting not only financial wellbeing, but also personal growth and connection through community involvement. The art competition is part of that wider mission, encouraging children and adults alike to think, create and share their ideas with others.

 

The closing date to submit finished entries to Killarney Credit Union is Thursday 23rd of October 2025.

 

Please click here to download a copy of the entry form.  Please print entry forms as required.

 

Rules

Please pay particular attention to the rules in particular rules 3, 5, 7 & 8.

 

1.

The competition has two categories – General Category and Additional Needs Category with the following age groups in each category:

• 7 years and under
• 8 – 10 years inclusive
• 11 – 13 years inclusive
• 14 – 17 years inclusive
• Adult – 18 years and over

Ages as at 31st December 2025. Proof of month and year of birth may be requested by the credit union. There is a separate section for group entries in the Additional Needs Category only.

 

2.

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.

3.

The text of the theme does not have to be illustrated on your artwork. We are looking for your interpretation of the theme through your art.

4.

All group entries will be judged together – no age categories apply. Please tick the group entry box under the Additional Needs category if you wish to be considered for group entry.

5.

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.

 

6.

All entry forms and artworks must be certified by teacher/facilitator/parent/guardian (under 18, General Category and Additional Needs Category), or by the entrant (over 18) as being an unaided and original work of the entrant.

 

7.

All entries must be submitted in either A3 (420mm wide x 297mm high) or A2 (594mm wide x 420mm high) and landscape orientation. Other sizes and portrait oriented entries will be disqualified from adjudication.

 

8.

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.

 

9.

The competition is organised into three stages with the winner in each category being forwarded to the next stage, these being:

• Stage1 Credit Union Level
• Stage 2 Chapter (Regional) Level
• Stage 3 National Level

Entries must be submitted to your local participating credit union only– no entries will be accepted directly at regional or national level.

 

10.

It should be noted that once artwork is received by us they become our property and may be reproduced at our discretion and may only be returned at our discretion. All entries are accepted as original works and we are not responsible for any breach of copyright. We will not accept liability for loss or damage to any work submitted.

 

11.

Entrants may enter the competition only once in any given year.

 

12.

We reserve the right not to award prizes in any category. The decision of the adjudicators is final and no correspondence will be entered into.