Listowel Credit Union is calling on North Kerry to ‘set your imagination free’ for the 2017 All Ireland Credit Union Art Competition. The hugely popular competition, now in its 34th year, attracts up to 30,000 entries nationally each year through around 250 credit unions. The competition is open to age groups across the spectrum, including children aged seven years and under, right through to those aged 18 years and over. There is also a Special Category for those with physical or intellectual disabilities.
The ‘SET YOUR IMAGINATION FREE’ theme is designed to give everyone, young and old, full scope to express their thoughts, imaginings and anything that inspires them. Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme in any way they wish and to let their imagination alone set the rules for what they create.
Encouraging everyone from the North Kerry area to enter the competition, Paudie Flynn of Listowel Credit Union said: “We are always inundated with fantastic artworks for this competition each year and we expect this year to be no different, especially with the exciting new theme which really gives everyone an opportunity to give free reign to self-expression and creativity. People of all ages and from all backgrounds can participate in this competition. It’s an important outlet for creative learning here in North Kerry and events such as this contribute to a thriving community. As always, there will be some great prizes up for grabs so I would say to everyone to set your imagination free this year and get involved.”
The annual competition is part of the Irish League of Credit Unions’ (ILCU) commitment to supporting the artistic development of both young and old in communities throughout Ireland. Producing and creating art can have many benefits for adults, such as reducing stress and aiding the development of creative problem-solving skills. For children, painting and creating art can nurture fine-motor skills and neural development, while allowing them to express their emotions.
Winners, runners-up and merit award-winners at local level will be presented with prizes courtesy of Listowel Credit Union. National winners will receive cash-prizes at an award ceremony to be held in Croke Park, Dublin in February 2018.
Entry forms have been circulated to local schools and are also available from the credit union offices in Listowel and Ballybunion. The closing date to submit entries to Listowel Credit Union is Friday October 27th.
