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 to understand:
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Your organisation and objectives
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The location and wall requirements
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Your community or audience
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Your timescale and budget
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The outcomes you want to achieve
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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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 and documentation
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 option for exterior locations where long-term protection and longevity are important a movable solution.
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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Access requirements
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Installation needs
As a guide:
Small murals
From approximately £5,000+
Medium community murals
Approximately £10,000–£25,000+
Large-scale public art projects
£25,000+
A detailed proposal is always 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.
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
✓ 5750+ participants engaged
✓ 58+ partner organisations
✓ Projects delivered across 24 UK boroughs
✓ Award-winning community arts practice
We don't just create murals. We create spaces where people feel connected, represented and proud.
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: