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:

1. General Category

• Ages: 7 & under; 8–10; 11–13; 14–17 and Adults (18+) (ages as of 31 December 2025).
• Individual entries only.

2. Additional Needs Category

• Designed for children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities.

How to Enter

1. Drop by your local branch or contact us to pick up an entry form or download the entry form here: CCU Art Competition Entry Form
2. 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:

1. Local Credit Union Level (Stage 1) – Final submission to Connect Credit Union.
2. Regional / Chapter Level (Stage 2) – Selected entries move on here.
3. National Final (Stage 3) – Judged by independent artists on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions.

Suggested timeline:

• Stage 1 (local): by Monday 13 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 Connect Credit Union. Let’s make this 2025 edition memorable!

Next Steps:

• Pop into Connect Credit Union to confirm participation and collect your entry form or download here: CCU Art Competition Entry Form
• Prepare your artwork in one of the accepted media, in landscape and ensure the form is fully completed and attached.
• Bring the artwork to our Blackrock branch before 16:00 on the 13th of October 2025 and 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 at 042 937 2400 we’re here to help.

Let those creative sparks fly “The Future is…” yours to imagine.