Unleash your imagination! The Credit Union Art Competition, now in its 43rd year, is back and on the lookout for creative expression from all ages and abilities across Ireland. This year’s inspiring theme, “world of colour”, encourages our budding artists to use art to explore colours, experiences and perspectives that make our world unique. Whether they are inspired by nature, culture or imagination, our entrants are encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way. From bright, bold landscapes to subtle moments of everyday beauty, "A World of Colour" offers endless opportunities for artists to tell their stories through creativity.

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 2026).
• 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.

Timeline for judging:

• Stage 1 (local): by Friday 23rd October 2026
• Stage 2 (regional): by Friday 20th November 2026
• Stage 3 (national final): Friday 4th December 2026

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 “World of Colour” we’d love to see your artwork here in Connect Credit Union. Let’s make this 2026 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 Credit Union National Art Competition 2026

Let those creative sparks fly “World of Colour” is yours to imagine.