Art on the school pot

Art on the School Pot

The Creative Contest for All Public Schools in Bochum

Armed with paintbrushes, paint, creativity, and plenty of team spirit, students in Bochum have transformed restrooms into true oases of comfort—and with great success!

“Art on the School Toilet” gives children and teens the chance to actively help shape their everyday school life. The goal of the contest is to creatively and collaboratively spruce up restroom facilities—because even small, frequently used spaces deserve more attention.

It's still going strong!

Following the Erich-Kästner-Schule's victory in Round Two, schools were able to apply for the next round through April 2026.

Our main focus is on participatory design!

What do the participating schools expect?

  • A 500-euro lump-sum allowance for materials and basic painting supplies

  • Support from Central Services for technical and practical questions

  • Application in Spring 2027

  • Repairs and preparatory work during the summer break

  • Project Period: First half of the following school year

  • Prize money for the winning school: 2,000 euros

Among other things, the evaluation will consider the implementation plan, the level of participation, photos of the processes, a brief reflection, and, of course, the creativity of the results.

Any questions?

You can contact the project team at: schulpott@bochum.de

We're looking forward to the next round of "Art on the Schul-Pott" and can't wait to see new creative ideas!

“Art at Schul-Pott” is a joint project of the Regional Education Office and the Central Services of the City of Bochum.

Contact information

Address: Universitätsstraße 43-49, 47 Wittener Str. (Note: Contact Person 2), 44789 Bochum

Your way to us:

To Google Maps

The old Viactiv building across from Mercedes LUEG; there is no parking available. If traveling by car: Parking is available at P6 Hauptbahnhof (Buddenbergplatz), Ferdinandstraße 13, 44787 Bochum. (Navigation address) We recommend taking public transportation to Buddenbergplatz (buses 345, 349, 353, 354, 356) or to Oskar-Hoffmann-Str. or Bochum Central Station (subway). From the central bus platform or the trains, please use the rear exit of the station.

Frequently Asked Questions - Art on the Schul-Pott (FAQ)

Who can participate?

All public schools in Bochum—Grundschulen, secondary schools, and Förderschulen—are eligible to participate.

How does a school apply?

Please submit your application by email to: schulpott@bochum.de. The application must specify which restroom facility (girls' restroom and/or boys' restroom) is to be designed. Ideally, a preliminary design concept should be included.

Can students or parents apply directly?

A direct application is only possible with the involvement of the school administration. However, students and parents can encourage the school to participate and offer to coordinate the project. Upon receipt of an application, the school administration’s consent is required. Contact must be established with the school.

What must be included in the application?

To start with, only a little information is required:

  • What restroom facility is to be designed, and where is it located?

  • Initial ideas or a rough concept; if available, photos of the facility

Additional information and a complete proposal will be requested following an initial site visit by Central Services upon acceptance into the competition.

When is the deadline for applications?

Applications are accepted through approximately March of each year. The exact deadline is always announced toward the end of the year.

What criteria are relevant for the competition?

The jury pays particular attention to the following aspects:

  • Participation: Students should play an active role in shaping the process.

  • Sustainability: e.g., through upcycling or the use of resource-efficient materials.

  • Creativity and Impact: To what extent does the design enhance the space?

What types of restroom facilities can be designed?

Only restroom facilities that are in good working order or can be repaired with minimal effort are eligible. New construction or extensive renovations are not part of the project.

Where will the results be published?

A selection of the redesigned restrooms can be viewed on the City of Bochum’s press channels.

Past Winners

During the site inspection days, the jury not only has a lot to evaluate—but also has a really good time, right?

2025 For once, there were three prizes:

  • Willy Brandt Gesamtschule – Winner of the grand prize of 2,000 euros for two impressive designs in the “Pott-Wars” style and an underwater theme.

  • Günnigfeld Grundschule – A special bonus of 1,000 euros, since each class designed its own cabin.

  • Janusz Korczak School – A special bonus of 500 euros for a design in the style of the artist collective “44 Flavours.”

2026

  • Erich Kästner Gesamtschule - Design of two installations incorporating elements from television series and space.