In association with the Curragh Racecourse and Kildare Library & Arts Service.
The Curragh Racecourse will stage the 150th running of the Irish Derby on Saturday 27th June 2015.
The celebrations will focus on the national heritage of the Irish Derby, and recognise the heroic tales, epic battles, great heroes, and influential figures that have helped this race become such an important international event for County Kildare.
The Curragh, in association with Kildare Library & Arts Service, are delighted to launch a major arts competition aimed at both primary and secondary school students in County Kildare, with prizes presented at the Curragh during the Irish Derby Festival.
Entries close on Friday the 27th of March and the winners will be announced on Monday the 11th of May.
Primary Schools:
All primary children will receive a 150th Irish Derby theme illustration to colour.
The competition will be divided into two categories –
- Up to and including 3rd class and
- 4th to 6th class.
The overall winners will receive top of the range art sets plus a 100 euro voucher. There will also be prizes for 8 runners-up.
Also, as part of the prize, the class of both winners will enjoy a workshop with leading illustrator Dave Butler together with a 500 euro voucher for art supplies and a variety of books for their school library.
All entrants will receive a family ticket for the Irish Derby Festival Family Day on Sunday 28th June
Secondary schools:
All secondary school students will be invited to design an A3 poster with a 150th Irish Derby theme.
The Overall winner will receive a top of the range arts set plus a voucher for 250 euro. There will also be prizes for 9 runners up of a 50 euro voucher
As part of the prize, the class of the overall winner will enjoy a workshop with leading artist Cara Nagle together with a 500 euro voucher for art supplies and a variety of books for their school library.
All 10 winners and their families will be invited to the races on 28th June as guests of the Curragh, while the class colleagues of the overall winner will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the races.
The winners and runners up from both competitions will be exhibited in the Riverbank Arts Theatre during June
Judges include artist Chara Nagle, illustrator Lucina Russell, Eoghan Doyle, Assistant County Arts Officer, Celine Broughal and Marian Higgins of the Kildare Library & Arts Service and Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse.
Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manger of the Curragh Racecourse, commented
“The Irish Derby has been a hugely significant event for County Kildare and the art competition gives a whole new generation the opportunity to embrace the event. We would encourage students to be as creative as possible and to look at various aspects of the Irish Derby over the last 150 years including racing, fashion and style, family entertainment and most importantly fun”
