Loughborough University is calling on local residents to use their creative talents and enter a competition to design works of art that will be on permanent display on the campus.

The winning designs will be incorporated into the new Martin Hall Square, a major new landscaping scheme being planned for the East Park Part of campus. It is envisaged that the artwork will contribute significantly to the overall ambience and character of the area.

Martin Hall Square will be the largest of four plazas on campus.  It will provide a ‘collegiate’ open space where staff, students and the community can meet and in which a variety of activities can take place such as socials, concerts, seasonal markets and ceremonies.  

The square will be clearly visible from Epinal Way and it will provide the frontage to the new Health and Biosciences building and National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine currently under construction.  It will also link a number of existing academic buildings on campus and Martin Hall with its restaurants and theatre, creating a significant pedestrian friendly environment.

Using the theme celebration, entrants are encouraged to consider three particular strands in their submissions:

• The University’s achievements in the past and promise of the future
• Achievements across all aspects of the University – possibly referencing some of the subject disciplines covered by the academic Schools on campus or representing teaching, research and enterprise activities.
• The University’s contribution to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games

The competition will have seven categories and participants may enter more than one.  The categories are:

• Free standing artwork
• Glazing – to be incorporated into building design, including the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine building
• Screening
• Paving art
• Seats
• Bollards
• Structures – required to house a gas governor on site

The successful artists will get the opportunity to work with the University’s professional team of designers to help them realise their concept into a finished art installation.  There will also be a cash prize.

David Fulford, Acting Director of Facilities Management at the University comments: 
“We are delighted to invite budding artists from the local area to take part in this competition. Having your artwork permanently on display must be an exciting prospect for any artist and we look forward to working with the competition winners to bring their ideas to fruition.”

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to submit an initial expression of interest by 5pm on Wednesday 31 July.  A detailed briefing document for the competition is available from the University. 

Please contact Leighann Carlton: T: 01509 228075 or E: L.Carlton@lboro.ac.uk

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