Engagement Guides

  • For a detailed understanding of creating a community-led vs. artist-led mural (pages 5-9,) safety concerns (page 10-11,) and templates for organization and proposals (pages 20-25): Wellington City Mural Guide
  • For an understanding of creating murals in rural communities, POP Kit for Rural Communities
  • For a thought exercise regarding mural production (page 6), a materials list (page 14), and a checklist for production (pages 18-19): Auckland Mural Toolkit
  • Using a safety lift for painting the murals due to height.
  • An illustration created during an engagement session

General Mural Guides

Follow this link for New Haven Mural Guidelines & Policies for Community Organizers.

  • Permitting and Regulations: If making a mural on a private wall, consent is needed from the landlord. If on public property, you will need approvals from the Alder of the Ward and the Cultural Affairs Commission at City Hall to ensure mural content is universally acceptable and not objectionable.
  • Community Engagement: Collaborate with community organizations and residents to identify suitable locations for murals and ensure that the designs resonate with the community’s values and priorities. Hosting community meetings or workshops can help gather input and foster a sense of ownership among community members.
  • Artistic Vision and Themes: Consider the artistic vision and themes guiding the mural project. New Haven is a diverse and culturally rich city, so themes related to community, history, social justice, and environmental sustainability may resonate strongly with residents. Incorporating New Haven’s cultural heritage elements, such as its architecture, landmarks, and diverse communities, can help create murals that reflect the city’s identity.
  • Collaboration and Partnerships: Building partnerships with local artists, organizations, businesses, and institutions can provide valuable resources, support, and expertise for mural projects. Collaborating with schools, youth programs, and community centers can provide intergenerational engagement and skill-building opportunities.
  • Maintenance and Longevity: Consider the long-term maintenance and preservation of the mural during the planning process. High-quality materials, such as UV-resistant paints and sealants (see below), can help ensure the mural’s longevity and resilience to weathering. Establishing a maintenance plan, including periodic inspections and touch-ups, can help keep the mural vibrant and well-maintained over time.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Prioritize safety and accessibility when selecting mural locations and designing the artwork. Ensure that the chosen locations are safe for work in and accessible to viewers, including individuals with disabilities. Consider lighting, visibility, and pedestrian traffic when assessing potential mural sites.
  • Promotion and Documentation: Once the mural is completed, actively promote it to the community and beyond. Organize unveiling events, social media campaigns, and guided tours to generate interest and engagement with the mural. Documenting the mural creation process through photos, videos, and interviews can also help preserve the project’s legacy and share its impact with a broader audience.
  • Existing Programs: Existing mural apprenticeship and production programs exist, such as Straight Up Art. Be on the lookout for more within the community!

Climate Murals

When creating subject matter related to climate change and the environment, there are necessary considerations for success. If there are content-related questions, consider contacting a local organization like Yale’s Program for Climate Change Communications for consultation and input. Learn more about cooling paints here.

  • Audience: Ensure the target audience is known and designed for. All other considerations only succeed with the identification and prioritization of an audience.
  • Clarity: Visuals should be clear and easy to understand, even for audiences with varying levels of familiarity with climate science. Avoid overly complex visuals that may confuse viewers.
  • Accuracy: Ensure that the visuals accurately represent scientific data and concepts. Misleading or inaccurate visuals can undermine trust and understanding.
  • Relevance: Visuals should be relevant to the audience and their concerns. Tailor the visuals to resonate with the specific interests and priorities of the target audience. Local concerns trump larger ones.
  • Engagement: Use visually appealing graphics, images, and multimedia to capture and maintain the audience’s attention. Interactive visuals can enhance engagement by allowing viewers to explore data and concepts more deeply.
  • Emotion: Incorporate emotional elements into visuals to evoke empathy, concern, or inspiration. Personal stories, real-world impacts, and human experiences can help connect audiences on an emotional level.
  • Context: Provide context for the data presented in visuals to help viewers understand the significance and implications of the information. Include explanations, captions, or annotations to clarify key points.
  • Actionability: Empower viewers to take action by providing clear calls to action or highlighting solutions and opportunities for positive change. Pair this with a depiction of climate impacts for the most dramatic effect.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities when creating visuals. Consider how different cultural backgrounds may influence interpretations of the visuals and adapt them accordingly.
  • The Reveal: Ensure the final reveal invokes emotion and engagement. Spur interest in the experience of the mural so the theme is memorable.