Before & After

Co-Creative Connection Higgins Islington Summer Mural CCC BEFORE 2 (1).jpg

Co-Creative Connection - 2021 Climate Change Mural, Higgin Partnership - Lewisham London.j

12 people celebrating the opening of a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural on Higgins Partnerships Hoarding in, London.

A hand painted Hope painted on a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural on Higgins Partnerships Hoarding in, London.

The Brief

We worked together with Lewisham homes residents to bring to life a large artwork with a climate change theme. The artwork was hand-painted onto hoardings where a new building was being built within their community.

The primary goal was to bond with the community and take their minds off the pandemic by bringing a bit of colour to the environment and allowing them to express their unfiltered thoughts on climate change.

Supported by: Higgins Partnership, We Are Lewisham, Brewers Decorator Centres, and Lewisham Homes.

9 people sitting at desk working in a workshop for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London.

A schoolgirl is holding a design she created in a workshop for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London.

The Process

Over ‌three workshops held in October 2021, participants could learn all about pattern, colour theory and discuss their thoughts and concerns about climate change.

From these discussions, we then formed moodboards, where the participants visualised their thoughts using various colours and prints.

Rose worked closely with the participants and drew together the key themes which could form the basis of the final mural design - ready to paint!

"From someone who was very unsure and extremely anxious about participating in something I’ve never done before, I’m so glad I did. I felt so relaxed and my mind was taken away from the day-to-day issues you would normally face. Those were my few hours, just for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, meeting new people and doing something I have never done or would ever think of being a part of. Looking at the finished artwork, I feel so very proud knowing I was part of that. My family is very proud, knowing MUM was part of it.“

Bibi

Project Participant and Resident

The Outcome

Throughout November and December 2021, the community came together with CCC to paint this 18-metre by 3-metre mural.

This project was able to bring people together during a time that had isolated many. Some had been neighbours for decades without meeting each other and CCC was able to facilitate such positive connections with them. Building lasting bonds and creating a legacy, these neighbours have become firm friends and created new projects together after coming together with these creative workshops and large mural.

About The Design

Learn about the individuals who participated in this project and the thought process behind the design choices for each section of the mural.

A school boy I painting wave pattern for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London. It is surrounded by a white graphic boarder.

This is a wave section of a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London.

Reuben had the idea to include the waves in our artwork and asked to add unique bubbles and stripes within the wave design. Jacob designed the remaining green checks and the blue thick stripes.

Bibi designed the look for "Hope" whilst Evie incorporated the checks into the design.

This is a woman painting a checkard pattern on a a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London. The photo is surrounded by a red graphic boarder.

This is a woman cheering wearing a hi-vis vest in front of unfinished Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London. The photo is surrounded by pink graphic boarder.

A hand painted rain cloud painted on a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural on Higgins Partnerships Hoarding in, London.

Ros worked on the stripes in the cloud design. Whilst Danielle designed the patterns in the remaining cloud and the multicolours for the hailstones.

Joanna designed the spot pattern for the mural after learning about the dot repeat in our creative workshops. Vanessa helped design the scales, Chervons, and all-over print patterns within the mountains.

This is a orange, yellow, bright pink and purple mountain section of a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London.

This is a photo of a woman and her son smiling in hi-vis vests whilst painting for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London. The photo is surrounded by a orange graphic boarder

This is a school girl holding up a mood board and smiling at a workshop for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London. The photo is surrounded by a yellow graphic boarder.

This is a leafy section of a completed Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London.

Delilah incorporated her love for the environment through patterns within the plants.

Yewande inspired the sun and worked with Sam to incorporate patterns.

This is a orange and yellow section painted section of a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes.

This is a woman working at a creative workshop for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London. The photo is surrounded by a green graphic boarder.

This is a woman drawing in a workshop for a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. The photo is surrounded by a white graphic boarder.

Sebastian designed the chevrons and checks, and Nicole wanted to incorporate the spots within the clouds.

“We are thrilled with the fantastic mural that members of the local community and Rose have created for our site at Mayow Road. It’s great to see the mural reflect everyone’s views on such an important topic as climate change. Seeing the enjoyment and pride that has come from this project shows how rewarding such community-based projects are.”

Amy, Higgins Partnership Staff

This is the completed mural on the hoardings of a Co-Creative Connection Community Mural with Higgins Partnerships, We are Lewisham and Lewisham Homes. Lewisham, London.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big was the mural and where was it painted?

The mural measured 18 metres wide by 3 metres high and was hand-painted directly onto temporary hoardings around a construction site in Lewisham. These hoardings were installed by Higgins Partnerships for new housing developments.

What materials were used for the mural?

We used weather-resistant masonry paint, kindly supported by Brewers Decorator Centres. These paints are ideal for outdoor surfaces and ensured that the mural remained vibrant and durable despite being exposed to the elements.

How long did it take to complete the mural?

The mural was painted over the course of November and December 2021, with multiple painting sessions scheduled to accommodate participant availability and weather conditions.

Was the design pre-planned or improvised?

The final design was co-created with community members through a series of creative workshops. Participants developed mood boards, explored colour theory, and contributed pattern designs and climate-related themes, which were then carefully woven together by artist Rose Hill into a cohesive final mural.

How did the mural incorporate the theme of climate change?

Participants shared personal thoughts, concerns, and hopes for the planet. These were translated into symbolic elements like waves, hailstones, plants, clouds, suns, and environmental textures, all designed to reflect resilience, action, and hope around the climate crisis.

How did this project impact the residents involved?

The project created a powerful sense of connection at a time when many people were still feeling isolated from the effects of the pandemic. Participants shared how it helped ease anxiety, boost confidence, and gave them a creative outlet to feel heard and valued.

Did this project help residents build stronger relationships?

Yes, many participants had never met before, despite living in the same community. The workshops sparked new friendships and even inspired some to collaborate on other creative and local projects after the mural was completed.

What kind of support was provided for those new to art?

The workshops were accessible and beginner-friendly, with no prior experience needed. Rose guided participants through each stage of the creative process, from understanding colour and pattern to expressing ideas visually, making sure everyone felt confident and supported.

Was this a one-off experience or part of a longer engagement?

While the mural was a single commissioned project, it had long-term impact by strengthening community bonds and encouraging more collaborative creativity in the area. Some participants went on to stay involved in local initiatives after the project ended.

Can more murals like this be created in other communities?

Absolutely. Projects like this can be replicated in other areas, especially where new developments, hoardings, or public-facing walls present opportunities for creative community engagement. We’d love to hear from councils, developers, or community groups interested in working together.

How can a local organisation or housing group get involved in a similar project?

If you're part of a local council, housing provider, or community organisation and want to explore a co-created mural or workshop series, feel free to get in touch via our Contact page. We’re always open to new collaborations.

What does CCC need to run a mural project like this?

All we need is a public-facing surface, a supportive partner, and a local community excited to take part. We’ll provide the structure, workshops, materials, and support to ensure the project is meaningful, collaborative, and impactful.

If you have more questions about how we work, visit our full FAQ page!

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