Credit Union Art Competition 2020

Westport Credit Union is urging its local community to ‘Imagine More’ for its this year’s credit union annual art competition.

This year’s theme, ‘Imagine More’, is influenced by the creative role art plays in Irish society and encourages participants to unlock their imagination and look at how art inspires us and our communities. Despite the current challenges, art has kept people from all walks of life connected and this year’s theme encourages participants to express this connectivity on paper or canvass.

Art has always been a huge part of Irish life and the Credit Union art competition, now in its 37th year, is dedicated to supporting and developing the arts in Irish society. Promoting and encouraging involvement in the arts across communities is an important message we want to spread. Art plays a critical role in enriching the lives of all people and is central to sustaining and increasing connections. Entrants are urged to reflect on the crucial role that the arts play in Irish society and how they help bind communities.

There are no age limits to the competition and it is open to children aged seven years and under right through to 18 years and over. There is also a category for those with physical or intellectual challenges. Winners at local level will go on to a regional level, and regional winners will progress to the national awards ceremony in February 2021.

(Pauline Ryan, CEO) of Westport Credit Union said “We believe that this year’s theme will really inspire entrants and challenge them to unlock their imagination. The competition is a fantastic opportunity to promote involvement in the arts in the community and we are urging everyone from the Westport, Newport & Louisburgh areas to enter. The art competition is hugely important as it raises our community spirit and brings great excitement to us here at Westport Credit Union when we see these amazing entries coming in. Whether it’s your first time to enter or you have entered before, we want to encourage everyone to participate and, as always, there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs!”

The annual competition is part of the Irish League of Credit Unions’ (ILCU) commitment to supporting the artistic development of people of all ages and abilities in communities throughout Ireland.

Winners, runners-up and merit award-winners at local level will go on to represent the credit union at regional level and from there, winning artworks will go forward to national level. Local winners will receive their prizes at a local prize-giving ceremony and their artwork will be displayed as part of an art exhibition. National winners will receive cash-prizes at an award ceremony to be held in February 2021.