24 May, 2006 - Presentation of Texaco Art Awards
The Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., today presented prizes at the annual Texaco Art Awards Ceremony in Dublin. The competition which is now in its 52nd year has an annual entry of almost 50,000 paintings. The ceremony was attended by the 161 competition winners, their parents, guardians and guests. This year part of the overall winners' prize was a commission to produce a work for the Belfast headquarters of UTV.
Speaking at the ceremony today Minister Hanafin said "the Texaco Arts Competition has touched the lives of virtually every family in the country. It is an event that stands out for so many as a wonderful childhood memory of creative enthusiasm and excitement. The Competition is an excellent way in which we recognise and support our young artists.
Our school curriculum places a strong emphasis on the Arts in Education. The arts excite the imagination and creative ability of all children and stimulate the full range of intelligences, giving children an opportunity for creative expression and a means to communicating their own individuality."
Minister Hanafin praised the efforts of all of the children who entered the competition saying "there are many superb works on show and great credit is due to you all for taking part and creating the outstanding artwork we see around us today."
Acknowledging the role of parents and teachers Minister Hanafin said "we are all aware that young people need encouragement and support throughout their education so that they reach their full potential. The high standard of the artwork here today and in the schools I visit throughout the country is testimony to the dedication and commitment of teachers implementing the visual arts curriculum and to the vital role of parents in supporting and encouraging their children."
Thanking Texaco (Ireland) for the enormous contribution it has made to visual arts education in Ireland, Minister Hanafin concluded by wishing all of the winners continued success.
Ends