Community Mural Commissioning Guide
Everything you need to know about creating an inspiring, community-led mural
Create a space people feel proud of
A community mural is much more than artwork on a wall. It's an opportunity to celebrate local identity, bring people together and transform shared spaces through creativity.
At Co-Creative Connection, we work with councils, housing associations, developers, schools, charities and organisations across the UK to create meaningful murals shaped by the people and places they represent.
From the first idea through to installation and celebration, we manage every stage of the process, making commissioning a mural simple, enjoyable and impactful.
Starting Your Mural Project
Have an idea but don't know where to start?
You don't need a finished design or a clear vision. Many of our projects begin with a conversation.
We can help you explore:
✓ The purpose and objectives of your mural
✓ The best location and materials
✓ How to involve your community
✓ The themes and stories that matter locally
✓ The budget and timeline required
A successful mural begins by understanding the people, place and purpose behind the project.
How it works
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1. Discovery & Consultation
Timeline: 1–3 weeks
We start with a conversation with you to understand:
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Your organisation and objectives
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The location and wall requirements including a site visit if needed.
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Your community, audience, and stakeholders
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Your timescale and budget
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The outcomes you want to achieve
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Project planning and management
We then recommend the most suitable approach for your project.
2. Community Engagement & Research
Timeline: 2–8 weeks (depending on project size)
For community-led murals, we work with local people to gather ideas, stories and inspiration.
This may include:
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Creative workshops
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School sessions
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Resident consultations
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Community events
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Story gathering activities
Everyone has the opportunity to contribute, helping create artwork that feels authentic and representative.
3. Design Development
Timeline: 2–6 weeks
Using the ideas gathered, we develop a bespoke mural design.
This includes:
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Initial concepts
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Design refinement
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Client feedback
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Stakeholder consultation and approval management
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Final artwork approval
We balance creative vision with practical considerations such as location, durability and accessibility.
4. Preparation & Production
Timeline: 1–4 weeks
Before installation begins, we prepare everything needed for a smooth delivery.
This may include:
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Site surveys
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Wall preparation
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Permissions and approvals
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Materials ordering
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Risk assessments, method statements and documentation including DBS checks, governance and safe guarding policies
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Coordination of contractors, suppliers and project partners
5. Installation
Timeline: Several days to several weeks
Installation depends on:
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Size of mural
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Level of detail
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Location
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Weather conditions
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Access requirements
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Chosen material
We offer different mural solutions including:
Hand-painted murals
Perfect for creating unique, artistic pieces directly onto walls.
Vinyl murals
Ideal for interior spaces requiring detailed designs, branding or a removable solution.
ACM panel murals
A durable and movable option for exterior locations where long-term protection and longevity are important.
6. Celebration & Legacy
Timeline: 1 day
A mural deserves to be celebrated.
Many projects finish with:
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Launch events
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Community celebrations
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Photography and video documentation
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Impact reporting
The artwork becomes a lasting reminder of the people who helped create it.
Budget & Timeline
How Much Does a Community Mural Cost?
Every project is different, and costs depend on:
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Size and location
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Design complexity
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Materials selected
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Community engagement requirements
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Number of workshops
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Number of locations
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Access requirements
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Installation and production needs
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Project management requirements
Our commissions range from one-off community workshops and individual murals through to major, multi-site public-art programmes.
We have successfully delivered major public-art programmes with overall project values of £95,000+, including a large-scale multi-site art trail featuring multiple murals and artworks.
Our experience also includes large-scale artwork licensing for Diabond hoardings, including artwork developed and licensed for approximately 400 metres of hoarding across two installations.
Typical investment
Community workshops
From £1,500
Small to medium community mural projects
Typically £5,000–£25,000
Large-scale murals and public art
Typically £25,000–£50,000+
Major public-art programmes and art trails
Typically £50,000–£150,000+
Budgets are indicative and depend on the scale, complexity and requirements of each project. We can develop a proposal around your site, objectives and available budget.
A detailed proposal is provided following an initial conversation.
How Long Does a Mural Project Take?
The full process usually takes:
Small projects
Approximately 1–3 months
Medium projects
Approximately 3–4 months
Large community commissions
Approximately 4–6+ months
The timeline includes planning, engagement, design, approvals and installation.
For larger community projects, allowing sufficient time for consultation and collaboration helps create artwork that really reflects the people it represents.
See Our Murals Years Later
We don't just show you our murals on opening day. We show you what they look like years later.
We believe the true test of a public artwork is how it performs over time. That's why we're beginning to document our murals two and three years after completion, showing how the artwork has weathered, how the space has changed and how the mural continues to sit within the community.
See three examples below and if you would like to see more
What Do You Need From Us?
To get started, it helps to have:
✓ A location or idea for the mural
✓ The purpose of the project
✓ Your target audience/community
✓ Your preferred timeline
✓ An estimated budget (if available)
Don't worry if you don't have everything decided. We can help guide you through the process.
Why Work With Co-Creative Connection?
We combine professional mural expertise with meaningful community engagement.
Our experience includes:
✓ 37+ public art commissions
✓ 5,750+ participants engaged
✓ 58+ partner organisations
✓ Projects delivered across 24 UK boroughs
✓ Major public-art programmes valued at £95,000+
✓ £10.82 social value generated per £1 invested
✓ Award-winning community arts practice
Our major-project experience includes multi-site art trails and large-scale public-realm artwork, alongside extensive community engagement, creative development, artwork licensing, production and installation.
We don't just create murals. We create spaces where people feel connected, represented and proud.
Professional & Safe Delivery
We understand the practical requirements of delivering public art in live community and public environments.
Depending on the project, our delivery includes appropriate risk assessments and method statements, safeguarding procedures, DBS checks, site and access planning, permissions and approvals, and coordination with clients, contractors and other project partners.
We tailor our approach to the requirements of each site and commissioning organisation.
Commissioning & Professional Information
Need further information for your procurement or commissioning process?
We can provide relevant company, insurance, safeguarding, health & safety and project information on request.
What Our Clients Say
Andrew Chillingsworth Community Engagement Manager at Govia Thameslink Railway
Clare Neilson
Project Manager at Populo Living
Ready to Start?
Whether you're at the very beginning of your project or already know exactly what you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you!
Together, we can create artwork that inspires, connects communities and leaves a lasting legacy.
We aim to respond to project enquiries within two working days.
Or fill out the form below: