How Does Co-Creative Connection’s Approach Differ from Traditional Public Art Commissions?

Rose Hill
6 days ago
3 min read

When people think of public art, they often imagine a mural appearing overnight or a sculpture unveiled at a ceremony - a beautiful, finished product created by a professional artist, admired by the public. While those projects definitely have their place, at Co-Creative Connection (CCC), we believe public art should be about much more than aesthetics. It should be about people.

Our approach reimagines what public art can be - shifting the focus from simply creating for communities to creating with them. It’s a difference you can see, feel, and experience in every mural, workshop, and conversation we’re part of.

A woman and man sat at a table with art supplies and papers. The woman, with curly dark hair, is smiling while looking at papers she's holding. Beside her, the man, black jacket, is also smiling. The table has coloured markers, papers, mugs, and a vase with yellow flowers. — The NHS Trust, Islington 2024

1️⃣ It Starts with Listening, Not Designing

Traditional commissions typically start with a brief and an artist’s concept. At CCC, we begin by creating space for people to share their ideas, stories, and visions for the places they live, work, and play. We host open workshops, mood board sessions, and informal conversations in local community centres, youth clubs, libraries, and public spaces - anywhere people naturally gather. We come to you and your community.

It’s not about ticking a ‘community engagement’ box. It’s about genuinely hearing what matters to people and reflecting that in the final work. Every colour choice, motif, and theme emerges from those early conversations.

A community workshop with people seated around tables covered with art supplies and papers. Some participants work on projects while others talk. Bookshelves visible in the background, a projector on one table, and blue carpet flooring. — People Powered Places, Deafroots & SKILLS Stratford Old Town Hall Mural, Newham 2023

2️⃣ The Community Becomes the Co-Creator

Rather than inviting people to watch from the sidelines, we actively involve them in the creative process. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone has a role to play. Our murals and art pieces aren’t just created in the community, but by it.

We see time and time again how this builds pride, ownership, and connection. When people spot their contribution on a wall or see an idea they suggested come to life, it changes how they feel about the space and themselves.

CCC founder Rose, her daughter Summer an 8-year old girl with light brown hair, a female with her daughter, a man and another child holding paintbrushes and smiling at the camera in front of a blank wall, with green paint at the bottom quarter. — Higgins Partnerships & The City of London York Way Estate Mural, Islington 2023

Four people painting a low wall outdoors. One woman bends while the other three, a man and two women, are seated as they paint it orange. A tarp lies underneath their work area with paint buckets visible. Trees in the background. — Populo Living, Carpenters Estate 2024

3️⃣ Inclusion Isn’t an Afterthought

Accessibility and inclusivity sit at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with partner organisations to ensure our workshops and projects are welcoming, accessible, and relevant to everyone in the community.

A great example of this was our Stratford Old Town Hall mural project with Deafroots (supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing people) and SKILLS, a group for adults with learning difficulties. From the start, we worked with both communities to create a space where their voices, ideas, and lived experiences could shape the final mural. The process involved BSL interpreters, adapted workshop materials, and flexible sessions tailored to suit different communication styles and needs.

What stood out most was how the project didn’t just result in a mural - it built new relationships, increased visibility for Deaf creatives and adults with learning difficulties, and sparked conversations about accessibility across the wider community. It reminded us that meaningful inclusion isn’t a one-off action; it’s something built into every stage of a project.

One woman sits, working on an art project, while Rose and a BSL interpreter are interacting with another woman in the background. — People Powered Places, Deafroots & SKILLS Stratford Old Town Hall Mural, Newham 2023

4️⃣ The Legacy Goes Beyond the Wall

For us, it’s not just about what’s left behind on the wall. It’s about the conversations sparked, the new friendships formed, and the sense of possibility created. The mural or installation is a visible marker of something deeper - a moment in time when people came together, shared their stories, and built something meaningful. It leaves a physical and emotional legacy.

And we’ve seen how projects can plant seeds. Participants often go on to get involved in other creative initiatives, form new community groups, or simply feel more connected to where they live!

Three men standing in front of a colourful geometric mural. The background features heart-shaped handshake symbols and a geometric pattern with yellow circles and pink diamonds. The men have arms around each other's shoulders - one in teal/green, one in white t-shirt, and one wearing sunglasses and dark jacket. — Higgins Partnerships & The City of London York Way Estate Mural, Islington 2023

In Short…

Co-Creative Connection’s approach is different because it’s built on co-creation, deep listening, inclusivity, and lasting impact. Public art isn’t only about brightening a wall - it’s about brightening lives, relationships, and communities!

We believe the process should matter just as much as the outcome. Because when people see themselves reflected in their environment, it creates places people feel proud of, connected to, and invested in.

Have an idea for your community or a space that could use a creative spark? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to chat about how we can co-create something meaningful together. 💛