March 2009 – RugMark is once again running a major rug design competition aimed at college and university design and textile students, following the success of its 2008 competition. The design brief, this year is highly topical and commercial. Entitled The Beat of the East, participants are invited to take inspiration from the exotic mood board provided and create a unique and commercial design for a 9 x 6 feet hand-knotted rug.

WovenGround.com and 100% Design are both sponsoring the competition. Winners will have the chance to exhibit their design at 100% Design in September and the first prize student will also take a trip to Nepal to see their design on the loom.

Sam Towle, Director of RugMark is appealing for as many students as possible to get involved: "This year's live brief is visually hot and so topical given the heightened interest in India following the recent success of the film Slumdog Millionaire; I think it should appeal to students, whilst providing them with a real design challenge."

All entries must be submitted by June 1st 2009 and full details of the competition are available from www.rugmark.org.uk.

RugMark is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing a better life for thousands of children working illegally in the rug industry across South Asia. For further information visit www.rugmark.org.uk.

ENDS.

Press enquiries contact: Fay Handley at Dixon Handley Marketing
Tel: 01926 885511  M: 07790 659983  Email: fay@dixonhandleymarketing.co.uk