Sightsavers Ireland is excited to announce the return of the Junior Painter of the Year competition for 2025, a nationwide art initiative that invites primary school children across Ireland to explore and express their creativity. This year’s theme, A Fairer World In Sight, calls on young artists to consider how we can build a more inclusive and equitable world for all, with a special focus on disability inclusion.
This year’s competition was officially launched with Tommy Ó Ceallacháin, last year’s second-place winner from Scoil Chaitlín Maude, Tallaght, leading the way. The launch event saw Tommy joined by Ciara Smullen, CEO of Sightsavers Ireland, and Emma Murphy, Head of Communications and Public Relations at Sightsavers Ireland, who were on hand to celebrate the incredible talent of young artists across Ireland.
Junior Painter of the Year 2025 is open to all primary school children in Ireland. Participants are encouraged to explore the theme A Fairer World In Sight through drawings, paintings, or other creative artworks that reflect their vision for a world where all people,of all abilities, can thrive.
This year’s competition promises to be more exciting than ever, with hundreds of students expected to participate. All entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and how well they engage with the theme of disability inclusion and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the Junior Painter of the Year 2024 awards ceremony, Elora Ní Laoire, a 10-year-old artist from Gaelscoil Uí Fhiaich, County Kildare, was named the overall winner for her powerful piece Global Identity, that’s how it’s meant to be. Elora’s painting vividly depicted an inclusive school environment, with Braille and other elements highlighting the importance of disability inclusion. The piece captured the spirit of Sightsavers’ mission to create equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
2024 judges, ecological artist Ashleigh Downey and illustrator Jordan Barry-Browne, were impressed by the creativity and depth shown by young artists in their work. As in previous years, the competition celebrates not only artistic talent but also a commitment to the values of inclusion, global citizenship, and the SDGs.
Ciara Smullen, CEO of Sightsavers Ireland, remarked: “The Junior Painter of the Year competition continues to be one of our most rewarding events each year. We are inspired by the talent and passion of young artists from across Ireland, who use their creativity to reflect on how we can create a more inclusive world. I look forward to seeing what this year’s participants will bring to the theme of A Fairer World In Sight.”
How to Enter: To participate in the Junior Painter of the Year competition, children are encouraged to take part in the Put Us in the Picture workshop. This educational initiative helps children understand disability inclusion and the SDGs through age-appropriate resources. After completing the workshop, students can submit their artwork, along with a certificate of participation. Each participant will receive a certificate, with additional prizes for the top entries.
Step 1: Complete the Put Us in the Picture workshop and print off the certificate.
Step 2: Create a drawing, painting, or other artwork based on the theme, A Fairer World In Sight.
Step 3: Fill out the application form and submit the artwork along with the certificate to Meadhbh Mlowezi, Sightsavers Ireland, 305 The Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7.
For more information, to download resources, or to register for the competition, visit sightsavers.ie. The Junior Painter of the Year competition is proudly funded by Irish Aid.
Pic credit: Ben Ryan
