Callout for Tipp's young artists

Young artists across Tipperary are being encouraged to take part in a national art competition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study. The competition, launched by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, invites children and young people aged 4 to 15 to express their hopes, dreams and ideas for an 'Ireland of the Future' through art.

The initiative forms part of a wider programme of events marking two decades of the Growing Up in Ireland study, which has followed the lives and experiences of children and young people across Ireland since 2006. As the study reflects on 20 years of listening to children's voices and helping to shape policy, the competition offers a creative opportunity for young people to share their own perspectives on what Ireland could look like in the years ahead.

Children are invited to create original artwork that captures their vision for the future, whether that focuses on communities, education, the environment, technology, inclusion, or any other aspect of life in Ireland. The competition is open to all children aged 4 to 15 and will be judged across three age categories: ages 4-7, ages 8-11, and ages 12-15.

In addition, an Additional Needs Award will be presented within each age category, recognising the creativity and talent of children with additional needs. This means there will be multiple opportunities for young artists to have their work recognised and celebrated.

The overall winning artwork will become part of a new permanent art collection at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s headquarters in Dublin. Shortlisted entries will also be exhibited at the Growing Up in Ireland Annual Conference, which will explore the theme of "Then, Now, Next" and reflect on the study's impact over the past 20 years.

The competition provides children with a unique platform to have their voices heard through creativity while celebrating one of Ireland’s most important studies of childhood and youth. Full competition details, entry forms and terms and conditions are available on gov.ie, with entries required by 12 noon on Friday, October 23.