A new national children’s art competition has been launched in Ireland, inviting young people to imagine and illustrate an “Ireland of the Future”. The initiative, announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, forms part of celebrations marking 20 years of the Growing Up in Ireland study.
Children’s art competition marks 20 years of Growing Up in Ireland
The children’s art competition is open to children aged between four and 15. Entrants are being asked to create original artwork showing their hopes, dreams and ideas for how Ireland could look in the years ahead.
The competition reflects the central role children’s voices have played in the Growing Up in Ireland study. Since its establishment in 2006, the national longitudinal study has followed the lives and experiences of children and young people across the country, creating evidence to support public policy and services.
Growing Up in Ireland is a joint project involving the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Its research has helped inform understanding of childhood, development, education, family life and young people’s experiences in Ireland.
Three age categories and Additional Needs Award
Entries will be judged in three age groups:
- Ages 4–7
- Ages 8–11
- Ages 12–15
An Additional Needs Award will also be available within each age category, supporting an inclusive competition that welcomes a broad range of young artists.
Winning artwork to become part of permanent collection
The overall winning artwork will be included in a new permanent art collection created by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. It will be displayed throughout the Department’s headquarters at Miesian Plaza in Dublin.
Shortlisted entries will also be exhibited at the Growing Up in Ireland Annual Conference, which will explore the theme “Then, Now, Next”. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to showcase children’s creativity and perspectives to policymakers, researchers and other attendees.
At the launch, Minister Foley said the study had helped Ireland understand the lives, experiences, goals and dreams of children and young people over the past two decades. She also welcomed the opportunity for children nationwide to express their vision for the future through art.
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How to enter the national children’s art competition
Competition details, entry forms and terms and conditions are available through the official gov.ie children’s art competition information page.
Completed entries must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday, 23 October 2026. Parents, guardians, schools and other participating organisations should review the official requirements before submitting artwork.
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Why children’s perspectives matter
The competition extends the wider anniversary programme celebrating Growing Up in Ireland. By asking children to picture the country they want to inherit, the initiative connects research, creativity and public discussion.
It also highlights the importance of listening to children when shaping decisions across areas such as education, health, housing, equality and social protection. Alongside the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, organisations including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla and other public bodies rely on evidence about children and families when planning services.
Conclusion
The national children’s art competition gives young people across Ireland a meaningful platform to share their hopes for the future. With entries forming part of a permanent collection and anniversary conference exhibition, the initiative ensures children’s imagination remains central to the 20-year story of Growing Up in Ireland.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
