How Do We Decide What Each Mural Looks Like?
- Rose Hill
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
At Co-Creative Connection, every mural we create is a collaboration - shaped by the people who live, work, and play in the communities we work with.
Rather than designing something for a community, we design with them, because we believe public art should reflect the people it belongs to.
Here’s a closer look at how the mural design process works:
Listening First
Every project begins by listening.
We start by holding workshops, conversations, and creative activities where participants can share their ideas, memories, values, and hopes for their space.
Sometimes people bring stories about the history of their community. Other times, it's emotions they want the mural to capture like pride, joy, resilience, or hope.
This early stage isn’t about what looks good it’s about what feels meaningful.
Gathering Inspiration
Through these workshops, we collect all kinds of inspiration:
🎨 Symbols, words, colours, and patterns that people feel connected to
🎨 Local landmarks, natural elements, or important community figures
🎨 Emotions or messages that participants want the mural to express
We might also look at historical references, cultural traditions, or current community initiatives - making sure that the final design feels rooted in the local context.
Co-Creative Design
Once the ideas and values are gathered, we begin developing concept designs with the community, often sketching together during workshops. Our process is hands-on and empowering. We don’t simply collect ideas and go away to sketch. Instead, we actively support participants to co-design and draw the mural themselves, teaching valuable skills such as pattern structures, composition, and drawing techniques.
Designs are shaped in real time through ongoing conversations, co-creation, and feedback, ensuring everyone sees how their ideas are being brought to life. Once the designs are complete, I make sure everything is cohesive and professional so that both the community and client can feel a real sense of pride and ownership.
This collaborative and skill-building approach means the final mural is a reflection of the community’s voice, shaped with them at every step, with a professional finish that everyone can be proud of.
Creating Together
When it’s time to paint, the mural continues to evolve.
Participants are often involved in bringing the mural to life, helping to fill in colours, adding details, or even paint alongside professional artists.
Seeing their ideas become part of a real, public artwork creates an amazing sense of pride, ownership, and joy!
Every Mural Tells a Story
No two murals are ever the same, because no two communities are the same.
Our role is to guide, support, and bring creative expertise, but the heart and soul of each mural always comes from the people who inspire it!
When you see a Co-Creative Connection mural, you’re not just seeing a beautiful wall.
You’re seeing a shared story, a tapestry of voices, and a celebration of community.
Want to bring a co-created mural to your community, organisation, or space? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us via the link below
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