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The 2022 National Fossil Art Contest

UCC’s Ireland’s Fossil Heritage ran the first-ever national fossil art contest in May 2022. The program invited young artists across the island of Ireland to take part in Ireland’s first ever national fossil-themed art contest. The theme of the contest was “Irish Fossils ALIVE”. 

Prizes were awarded in four age categories: under 8 years, 9 –12 years, 13 – 15 years and 16 – 18 years.  The overall winner of the contest was chosen from the top prize-winners in each category and won a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a day out fossil hunting with palaeontologists from UCC, including one overnight B&B stay for the winner and one parent/guardian.

The winner of each age category received a guided tour of the fossil labs at University College Cork (UCC) and a behind-the-scenes look at our fossil collections.

Second prize in each age category won a visit by UCC fossil experts to their class and third prize won a very special fossil-themed art piece. A number of highly commended awards were made in each age category. All prize-winners received a T-shirt with Ireland’s Fossil Heritage logo and a small fossil kit with real fossils as part of their prize.

The top selected entries were invited to display their art pieces at a public exhibition at the Glucksman art gallery in Cork in June 2022.

Fossil Art Exhibit 2022

University College Cork’s education programme Ireland’s Fossil Heritage ran a new children’s art exhibition in the Glucksman Gallery from June 9th - 19th 2022. The exhibition celebrated the artwork of Irish schoolchildren – and fossils - in two exciting new collections, FOSSIL FREAKS and IRISH FOSSILS ALIVE.

Winners Fossil Hunting Trip 2022