This was a group project,  my group did various research talking to the local knitting club, interviewing vendors and visitors to the local market and meeting with a local sculptor who regularly holds exhibitions and workshops in the area.

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What we learned was that with projects such as this, residents often feel the end result is unrelated able and doesn't represent them or their community in any way.

 

My group and I decided we wished to create a mural which would be influenced by the surrounding community, the challenge was getting input from so many people. Most residents do not want to be disturbed while at home and others do not enjoy being put on the spot when faced with giving a suggestion for what should be included on such a large piece of public art.

 

A solution we reached was to create a room within an exhibition space, this room had many pens and a wall on which the residents could freely express themselves. We encouraged anyone who would draw on the wall while providing a fun and friendly atmosphere in order to encourage more participation.

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After the exhibition we approached the JMB as well as Southwark council, explaining to them our idea and what we had done in order to come up with our mural designs. As it so happens, the council did not give us permission to create the mural but the residents had a lot of fun in the process and were happy to be given a space in which they could freely exercise their creative side during the exhibtion.

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