Calling all students: Design a book bench for a local primary school

A poster of a light green background, with leaves and yellow flowers. In the center, there is a picture of a book bench with a colourful design.

In partnership with Charnwood Borough Council, the University’s Community Warden team and LU Arts have launched a competition to redesign and repaint a series of book benches, which will be donated to local primary schools.

Loughborough town centre was home to a series of book benches, designed to look like open books and painted with artwork from Ladybird books. These benches are now retired and are being donated to local primary schools, however they need new designs painted on them before they move to their new homes.

LU Arts are looking for five original student designs for the book benches. This competition is open to all current students, including PGT and PGR students Winners need to be available to paint their design on their bench during October 2025.

This is a rare opportunity to have your work showcased in the local community and gain experience and skills. Winners will also benefit from the publicity around this project and will be showcased online by LU Arts.

Apply now for the Book Bench Competition

Deadline for applications Monday 22 September 2025.

Read more details about the competition such as dimensions, requirements, timeline and how to enter.

If you have any queries relating to this competition, then please email LUArts@lboro.ac.uk.