Apply now for This Is Art Competition for Young Artists (Ireland)

RTÉ This Is Art! invites young artists to create and submit artwork exploring the theme “This Is Us!”. The competition offers more than €10,000 in prizes and awards across multiple age categories, including a Group category for schools and community groups. Submissions must be uploaded to the RTÉ This Is Art! website by midnight on 31 January 2027. The RTÉ This Is Art! 2026 Competition invites participants to interpret the theme “This Is Us!” in their own way. The organisers focus on what participants believe “us” means to them—such as family, friends, community, teams, classes, cultures, or any place where they feel connected. Participants create original artwork that reflects their ideas and perspective on people, relationships, and belonging. This competition offers more than €10,000 in prizes and awards, including items such as: Additional recognition described in the source includes:

The source does not specify:

The source confirms participation is open to young artists, organized across age categories, plus: However, the source text does not specify: If you need exact eligibility requirements, you should consult the rules and entry guide/brief linked from the official competition page. The competition supports creation and submission of artwork connected to the theme “This Is Us!”. Participants are encouraged to reflect on:

Participants can create work using any media or material (as stated in the entry guide)

This is a structured, themed opportunity for young creatives to showcase artwork centered on identity, relationships, and belonging. With recognition across multiple categories and a dedicated Group category, it supports both individual participants and participating school/community group contexts. It also includes tangible rewards and additional public recognition for shortlisted participants (printed certificates) and category winners (Grand Prix trophy for first place in each category). Follow the steps below as described in the official entry guide: Create your artwork using any media or material. Interpret the theme “This Is Us!” in a way that reflects your own ideas and perspective. Snap or scan a high-quality digital version of your artwork. The image should be sharp, clear, and free from shadows or obstructions. You must also prepare a short Artist Statement that explains: Upload your artwork and Artist Statement to the RTÉ This Is Art! website with permission from a parent or guardian, before midnight on 31 January 2027.

Official page and guidance:

Submission deadline details: The source specifies “before midnight on 31 January 2027.” The time zone is not specified in the source text.

What is the theme of the 2026 RTÉ This Is Art! Competition? The theme is “This Is Us!”, focused on what participants believe “us” means to them, including people, relationships, and belonging. What kinds of prizes are available? The competition offers more than €10,000 in prizes and awards, including items such as iPads and art supplies, portfolio courses, and vouchers (exact amounts by category are not specified in the provided source text). Is there a group category for schools or community groups? Yes. The source states there is a Group category for schools and community groups. When is the deadline to enter? Uploads must be submitted before midnight on 31 January 2027. The source does not specify a time zone. Do I need a digital version of my artwork? Yes. You must snap or scan a high-quality digital version of your artwork and upload it to the RTÉ This Is Art! website. What is required in the Artist Statement? You must provide a short Artist Statement describing what you used, what your artwork is about, and what inspired it. Do applicants need parent or guardian permission? Yes. The source states uploads require permission from a parent or guardian. Review the official rules and the full Brief/Entry Guide linked from the RTÉ This Is Art! 2026 Competition page to confirm category details, any age or location requirements, and any additional submission instructions not included in the provided excerpt. Then prepare your artwork image and Artist Statement and submit them before midnight on 31 January 2027.