Issued January 2004

SEARCH UNDERWAY TO FIND 2004 WINNERS

This year, the Texaco Children's Art Competition, regarded as the longest running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, reaches an important milestone with the celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

Held for the first time in 1955, the annual Texaco Competition occupies a unique position in Irish life. In its early years, the Competition was credited for its pivotal role in encouraging the development of art education in Ireland and in fostering an enthusiasm for art amongst young people.

Over half a century, it has touched the lives of virtually every family in Ireland attracting, as it has, more than 1/2 million entries from children ranging in age from 6-years and under up to 18 years including a section devoted exclusively to children attending special needs schools.

Through publication of the annual Texaco Children's Art calendar and the numerous exhibitions of winning entries that are held throughout the year, the Competition has also made a significant contribution towards establishing children's art as an art form in its own right.

Amongst its past winners are numerous young artists who have gone on to play a prominent role in Irish life including artists Bernadette Madden and Graham Knuttal and former Tanaiste and Labour Party leader Ruairi Quinn TD.

Currently, the search is underway to attract the entries that will feature amongst the prize-winners in its 50th year with a special information pack for students and teachers having been dispatched to all primary and second level schools. Copies are also available through Texaco service stations and on the Competition web site www.texacochildrensart.com.

Closing date for entries is Friday, February 20th after which preliminary and final judging gets underway under the direction of final adjudicator Declan McGonagle. Winners will be announced in April followed by the awards presentation in May.

There will be 161 prizes in total including 1st, 2nd and 3rd plus 20 special merit awards in each of seven categories, the winners of which will be invited with their parents to the awards ceremony in Dublin. Top award which goes to the 1st prize winner in the 16 - 18 years category is a cheque for Eur2000.

Overseeing the competition is Texaco Marketing Co-ordinator Bronagh Carron to whom enquiries may be addressed via e-mail to info@childrensart.com