Three young artists from Louth winners in RTÉ’s ‘This is Art!’ competition

RTÉ’ has said that the response to its ‘This is Art!’ competition has been nothing short of extraordinary, with young artists from across the country submitting their imaginative works, and has announced the three "exceptional winners" in Louth, along with 12 winners around Ireland who will also receive prizes,

145 artists whose standout work will receive special commendations, and 492 more whose brilliant entries will be celebrated with certificates. Each of these young people has contributed something unique, vibrant, and deeply inspiring to this year’s theme: This is Imagination!

Supported by Creative Ireland and the Shared Island Initiative, this annual competition continues its mission to foster imagination and creativity in young people aged 18 and under, giving them a platform to express themselves and connect with others through the arts. 

This is Art! Celebrates art and artists throughout Ireland through its website with the hope of sparking imagination and bridging the gap between the emerging young artists on the island and the established creatives. The entries are a testament to the diversity and richness of talent that exists across the island. 

This year’s County Louth winners are as follows:

• Age 16 to 18: Sam Jaszemski (18) Clogherhead, Louth – ‘Snapshot of My Soul’

• Group category: 1st place: The Arthouse, Drogheda, Louth – ‘The Friends We Made’

• Group category: 2nd place: St Brigid’s Special School, Dundalk, Louth – ‘Downtown Dreamtown’

The five first place category winners will receive a trophy designed by well known street artist Maser, while runners up will win prizes to develop their talent further (including courses, art supplies & equipment) and to recognise their outstanding contributions. 

This year’s judging panel, featuring some of Ireland’s most renowned artists and curators, found themselves deeply moved by the talent and creativity on display. The panel included graffiti and street artist Maser; contemporary abstract artist Leah Hewson; visual artist Aideen Barry; Senior Curator at The Glucksman Cork, Tadhg Crowley; and Sheena Barrett, Head of Research and Learning at IMMA – the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Reflecting on the experience, the judges shared their thoughts:

• Maser: “Art is, and has always been, an amazing outlet for me. I think it’s an outlet that every young person should try their hand at and get involved in. I’m delighted to see so many entries for ‘This is Art!’ But more than that, it was truly heartening to see the creativity, the passion, and the personality that came across in all the entries.”

• Leah Hewson: “I’m so proud to see such a wealth of young creatives out there, brave enough to share their work with us. It’s a pleasure to be able to award some of the entries with bursaries that will support and develop their careers further. The only shame is that we can’t award everyone - because every entry is absolutely worth celebrating.”

• Aideen Barry: “I’ve been part of ‘This is Art!’ before, and having the opportunity to celebrate the amazing creativity of our young people is the reason I always say yes to doing this. We have so much talent out there - kudos to all the entrants and budding artists. Keep going, keep working, develop your talent - it will be worth it.”

• Tadhg Crowley: “My favourite part of ‘This is Art!’ is reviewing the entries - whether as a judge or scrolling through the digital gallery. It’s reassuring to see that the next generation of artists are bursting with ideas and creativity. I think that’s a core strength of Ireland, our imagination economy. It’s great to see and something I hope continues to blossom. I encourage everyone to have a virtual walk through the digital gallery.”

• Sheena Barrett: “Art is a process that needs to be nurtured so competitions like ‘This is Art!’ are important. We need to fuel the artistic tank of the next generation - because there is so much talent out there, some of it yet to be discovered. It’s a privilege to celebrate and commend some of the amazing entrants. I hope we see even more entries next year.”

Commenting on the winners’ announcement, RTÉ’s Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content, said: “‘This is Art!’ is an important part of RTÉ’s work with children and young people, providing a unique platform to celebrate and inspire young artists.

"Once again, we are in awe of the quality of the entries and the remarkable creativity on display across Ireland. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit the digital gallery and witness the world through the eyes of a young person. It’s a privilege we’re proud to offer to the nation.”

Explore the ‘This is Art!’ Digital Gallery here: thisisart.rte.ie/winners-2024 and immerse yourself in the creative visions of these young artists. Don’t forget to follow @tia.ie on Instagram, @thisisart.ie on TikTok, and @RTEjr on Facebook for more from ‘This is Art!’