I was commissioned by Derby City Council to create a colourful mural on Arnold Street in Mackworth and New Zealand ward, Derby. The aim was to brighten up the street, celebrate the local area and bring people together through art. I wanted to create something that residents could feel proud of, reflecting the places, people and stories that make their community special.
Community Engagement
I asked local people to share their ideas through an online questionnaire, community workshops, Facebook and WhatsApp. I worked with local groups, including Mackworth Estate Community Association (MECA), St Francis Church and the New Zealand Community Association (NZCA). I asked what makes Mackworth feel like home, which places matter to people and what they would like visitors to notice about the area. This helped local people have a say in the mural from the start.
Local Stories and Community Identity
Residents shared memories, local landmarks and things they love about their neighbourhood. These included New Zealand Farm, the former Great Northern Railway, local shops and pubs, the War Memorial, schools, community groups and the surrounding nature. I also included personal touches, such as much-loved pets and local favourites, helping the mural tell the story of the people who live there.
Design Development: From Initial Concept to Community Artwork
The design grew and changed as I listened to local people and gathered their ideas. I brought together local history, nature, community spirit and everyday memories in a bright, playful illustration. Residents also helped shape the final design. For example, a brother and sister who joined a painting session inspired changes to the schoolchildren shown in the mural, making the artwork even more personal to the community.
Creative Outputs
The main creative output was a large, colourful mural designed to celebrate Mackworth and New Zealand ward. I used a giant paint-by-numbers approach so residents could help paint the artwork themselves. This gave people of different ages and abilities the chance to get involved, learn new skills and leave their own mark on the finished mural. I even had a visit from Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, who made her mark.
Community Response and Feedback
The mural attracted positive comments from residents, local families, students and people passing by. People described it as colourful, cheerful and a welcome addition to the area. Some stopped to chat, others returned to see how it was progressing, and residents thanked me for making the street brighter. One person said, “It makes me smile every time I come home from work. We need more of this!”
Project Outcomes
The project brought people together through creativity, with 32 residents taking part in painting the mural. It celebrated local stories, encouraged community pride and helped turn an ordinary street wall into a colourful feature of the neighbourhood. The project also showed how listening to residents and involving them in the creative process can help make public art more meaningful and give people a shared sense of ownership.
This project demonstrates my ability to build community relationships, facilitate inclusive participation, translate local stories into creative outcomes and document engagement throughout a public art commission.
