Three young artists from the Wee County have taken on the big challenge of RTÉ’s ‘This is Art!’ competition and have won three of the top prizes.

The response to ‘This is Art!’  has been nothing short of extraordinary with young artists from across Ireland submitting everything from painting and sculptures to custom made clothes, photography to digital art, cartoons to performance pieces, showcasing the boundless creativity and talent that is flourishing among the next generation of artists.

Today ‘This is Art!’ proudly announced the three exceptional winners in County 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 5 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.

Commenting on the winners’ announcement, RTÉ’s Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content, shared their pride in the competition’s success:
“‘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” she said.

“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!’