Tours, France – An innovative project is breathing fresh life into discarded furniture, inviting residents to participate in a unique upcycling contest. Organized by the association Valesens, the initiative offers the public the opportunity to “adopt” a chair and transform it into a work of art. The project, centered around the theme “It has a history, give it a future,” aims to promote creativity, sustainability, and community engagement.
Valesens, based at the SENSORY DESIGN CENTER in Tours, is a driving force behind an ecosystem dedicated to design and sensory technologies. The association fosters experimentation and collaboration between creators, businesses, students, and artisans. This latest endeavor builds on that mission, turning potential waste into opportunities for artistic expression. The contest focuses on repurposing 1,000 chairs from the Parc des Expositions, which were slated for disposal, as confirmed by France Bleu.
A Call to Creativity: Transforming Discarded Chairs
The contest is open to everyone, regardless of design experience. Participants can sign a “contract of adoption” for a chair shell from the Parc des Expositions and then unleash their creativity. According to Régine Charvet-Pelo, coordinator of the campaign, the only requirement is that the chair remains functional – meaning, one must still be able to sit on it somewhere. Participants are encouraged to paint, sculpt, add materials, or completely reimagine the chair’s form, pushing the boundaries of upcycled design.
This isn’t the first time Valesens has championed such initiatives. The organization’s website highlights a current “Campaign for creative adoption of discarded chairs” running from February 11th to April 20th, 2026, demonstrating a continued commitment to sustainable design practices. Valesens actively develops and encourages experimentation within the realm of design and sensory technologies.
Prizes and Exhibition Opportunities
The transformed chairs will be showcased to a large audience at the Foire de Tours from May 1st to 10th, attracting an estimated 400,000 visitors. A total of €1,200 in prize money will be awarded: €500 for first place, €300 for second, and €200 for third. A “Public Prize” of €100 will also be awarded.
But the recognition doesn’t end there. The four chairs receiving the highest accolades – the three jury prizes and the public prize – will be displayed at the Hôtel Gouin during France Design Week Loire Valley in September, providing further exposure for the artists and their innovative creations. The focus, organizers emphasize, is on rewarding creativity and ingenuity.
How to Participate
Interested individuals can adopt their chair at Valesens. The deadline for submissions is April 10th, 2026. The Parc des Expositions Grand Hall in Tours, a versatile space for cultural, commercial, and professional events, provided the chairs for this project, as detailed on the Ville de Tours website. The France Design Week Loire Valley, where winning chairs will be exhibited, is a significant event for the design community in the region.
This contest represents a unique intersection of art, sustainability, and community involvement, offering a platform for creative expression whereas addressing the issue of waste. It’s a testament to the power of design to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
As the April 10th deadline approaches, Valesens anticipates a diverse range of submissions, showcasing the creative potential of the Tours community. The exhibition at the Foire de Tours and subsequent display at the Hôtel Gouin promise to be highlights of the region’s cultural calendar.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a creative contest and is not intended to provide artistic or design advice.
What unique designs will emerge from this upcycling challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word about this exciting initiative!
