RTÉ’s This Is Art! invites young creatives to explore ‘This Is Nature’ this Christmas

RTÉ’s This Is Art! is inviting children and young people across Ireland to get creative this Christmas as it launches its 2025 competition theme, This Is Nature.
With cosy winter days and extra time to imagine, the festive season offers the perfect opportunity for young creatives to pick up a pencil, paintbrush or camera and start making. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Shared Island initiative, the all-island competition encourages participants to explore the natural world — from frosty fields and winter wildlife to broader interpretations of nature and human nature itself.

Now in its fifth year, This Is Art! is open to children and young people aged 0–18 across five categories, including a group entry option. Entries are welcomed in any medium, from drawing and painting to photography, digital art and upcycled creations. A total prize fund of €10,000 is on offer, including one-of-a-kind trophies designed by renowned street artist Maser, along with creative bursaries and materials for winners.

A stellar judging panel for 2025 includes street artists Maser and Joe Caslin, fashion designer Helen Steele, curator Mary Conlon of Leitrim’s flagship arts centre The Dock, and ornithologist and author Seán Ronayne.
RTÉ presenter Suzanne Kelly said the competition continues to be a source of inspiration year after year.
“Every year This Is Art! amazes us with its creativity. Christmas is a wonderful time to slow down, look around and create, and we can’t wait to see how young artists bring this year’s nature theme to life,” she said.

Last year’s competition attracted more than 3,000 entries, with over 100 shortlisted artists receiving personal feedback from the judges. This year, shortlisted participants can once again expect tailored feedback, while category winners will receive bespoke trophies designed by Maser — artworks to treasure long after the Christmas decorations come down.
Young artists can find inspiration by browsing submissions already featured in the online gallery at www.thisisart.rte.ie/submissions.
How to enter: Create, photograph or upload artwork at rte.ie/thisisart by midnight on Saturday, January 31. Entry is free. For more information, visit www.thisisart.rte.ie.

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