CU Art Competition 2026 Launched

The Credit Union Art Competition is back for 2026, and we’re inviting local artists of all ages and abilities to take part.

This year’s theme is: “WORLD OF COLOUR”. The theme offers endless opportunities for interpretation. Whether your artwork is bold and vibrant, subtle and expressive, imaginative or personal, we want to see how you bring the theme to life through your own creativity.

There is no need to include the words “World of Colour” in your artwork - we want to see your own interpretation of the theme.

The competition is FREE to enter and is open to everyone, with two categories:

1. General Category
2. Additional Needs Category

Each category includes the following age groups:

• 7 years and under
• 8–10 years inclusive
• 11–13 years inclusive
• 14–17 years inclusive
• 18 years and over (Adult)
• Group (Additional Needs Category only- no age categories apply)

Age limit applying as at December 31st 2026

To be considered for judging at any level, entries must follow the below briefs:

• All entries must be submitted in either A3 (420 x 297mm) or A2 (594 x 420mm) and landscape orientation. Portrait oriented entries will be disqualified from adjudication.
• Name, address, month and year of birth and other details (where applicable) must be clearly printed on the entry form and then attached to the back of the entry. Any entries bearing incomplete entry forms may not be considered.
• The entry can be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, wood block or any other method may also be submitted. No computer aided design (CAD) may be entered. No pieces of art under glass, as we cannot be responsible for same.

We only accept local entries (Portadown area), please check with your local Credit Union to see if they are participating! If less than five entries are received in any one category, credit unions have the option not to judge that category.

All entry forms must have a full name, date of birth, address (this can be the school’s address) and signature from a teacher/parent/guardian (if under the age of 18) to be considered for judging. We would ask for entrants to refrain from putting names on the front or within the artwork. 

Download an entry form here.

All entries must be handed into Portadown Credit Union (26 Market street) by Friday 16th October 2026 at 5pm.

All local schools have been invited to take part, and we encourage schools, families and local artists to get involved.

Please see below images of completed valid forms from previous years.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age category.

First-place winners will progress to the Chapter level for regional adjudication, where further prizes will be awarded to regional winners. Regional winners will then be put forward to the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) for the National judging stage.

Best of luck to everyone taking part! We look forward to seeing the creativity and talent from our local community once again this year. 🎨

Portadown Credit Union - Your Local Lender of Choice