An Post announces artistic commission for 2022 centenary stamp
8 April 2021
8th April, 2021: An Post has announced a competition for a special commission for artists to create an artwork marking next year’s centenary of Saorstát Éireann, the Irish Free State. The work of the chosen artist will feature on a postage stamp to mark the centenary on 6th December, 2022.
Artists will be invited to submit artworks for the €10,000 commission in a competition being run by An Post in partnership with Business to Arts and an expert panel led by the Chairperson of the Stamp Design Advisory committee, Mick O’Dea PPRHA.
Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Hildegarde Naughton TD, who has responsibility for An Post, welcomed the commission saying: “This is an innovative way of supporting the artistic community during this most challenging of times while encouraging a fresh, contemporary perspective on the centenary of the Irish Free State, one of the most important milestones for our country and its people.
“I commend the work of An Post and their independent Philatelic Advisory and Stamp Design Advisory Committees who ensure that Irish stamps are renowned across the world for the quality of their carefully chosen subject matter and their outstanding design and production”, she added
David McRedmond, An Post Chief Executive said “We look forward to strong interest from Irish artists in our Irish Free State centenary commission. It is a unique opportunity for an artist to respond to this important anniversary by creating an important public art piece which itself will become a piece of philatelic art, and travel the world representing Ireland’s rich history and artistic tradition. Every year through the national stamp programme, An Post is proud to support the work of our finest artists and designers, showcasing their skills in Ireland and across the globe.
Andrew Hetherington, CEO, Business to Arts:
“Business to Arts are honoured to be working with our long-term members, An Post, on this historic stamp commission. The range of artists and designers that have been selected to create stamps for An Post in recent years is an outstanding list of Ireland’s leading creatives. We look forward to seeing the submissions and the final artwork selected for the Irish Free State centenary commission.”
Full information on the application process will be announced during the week of April 12th on businesstoarts.ie/an-post.
An information webinar for artists will be held on Wednesday April 28th, at 12:30pm, which will be recorded and made available online for artists who are unable to attend. To register for the information webinar, go to businesstoarts.ie/an-post.