Young Creatives Art Competition
Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda, Co Louth, continues its 20th anniversary year (2006-2026) has today (8.06.26) announced a brand-new initiative – an art competition and exhibition for children 18 years and under. The competition celebrates imagination, originality and innovation and highlights the creative voices of children and young people of all abilities.
Developed with Highlanes Gallery’s IGNITE (12-18 yrs) and AMPLIFY (18-30 yrs) young persons’ panels, the competition focuses on themes of identity and the environment under the title - Me, my place, our world, and uniquely this competition will be adjudicated by individuals from the panels.
Highlanes 20: Young Creatives Art Competition has categories for entry from Category A: Under 6 Years, Category B: 7-10 Years, Category C: 11-14 Years and Category D: 15-18 Years, with an Additional Needs section in each of the four categories.
The competition is open to original artwork from children across the island of Ireland, no larger than A3 portrait or landscape format size in a range of media from pencil, paint, collage and mixed-media, and stop-motion/ moving image work, no longer than 20 seconds. Each entry must be delivered by hand or post, and must be accompanied by a completed Application Form attached to the rear of the artwork. The closing date for entries is Sunday 12th July at 2pm. The prize giving ceremony and exhibition opening will take place on Friday 7th August, and the exhibition will open to the public from Saturday 8th August until Saturday 31st October. For full details go to Young Creatives Art Competition
The legacy of the gallery founders Bea Orpen and Terry Trench, who first visioned the idea of a Collection and Municipal Art Gallery 80 years ago is reflected in this special competition and exhibition as Bea and Terry were great supporters of children and young people’s art, organising and adjudicating many competitions of art in the North East Region.
This new initiative of this highly regarded gallery has garnered important financial and strategic support in sponsorship from dynamic businesses - McKeever Tallan Solicitors, McEvoy Craig Accountants, O’Reilly Thomas Solicitors, and Markey Minogue Coyle Solicitors – who are inspired by pioneering creativity and supporting Highlanes Gallery in this exciting venture.
Founded in 2006 in the former Drogheda Franciscan Church, Highlanes Gallery has grown into one of Ireland’s most active municipal art galleries, presenting exhibitions of national and international significance and supporting artists at all stages of their careers. The 2026 programme continues this focus and offers audiences a year of new work, fresh perspectives and collaborations, while also reflecting on the gallery’s role as a civic and cultural space over the past two decades.
Commenting today, Director of Highlanes Gallery, Aoife Ruane said: “Over the years, I have seen audiences grow in confidence, artists push boundaries, and perceptions of what a municipal gallery can be continue to expand. The Young Creatives Art Competition is inspired by young people and we anticipate a range of exciting and unique entries from children across the island of all abilities.
This competition/ exhibition will bring together work that speaks to place, identity and community, and it continues our long commitment to supporting and highlighting the creative lives of children and young people.“
Further details of the Young Creatives Art Competition are available on the Highlanes Gallery’s website: www.highlanes.ie.
Highlanes Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5pm, and admission is free.