While we may be immersed in the nuts and bolts of supporting a statewide initiative focused on Zoom calls, data collection, and research, some of our most powerful emotional experiences have resulted from attending the 100% New Mexico mural celebrations. While our 100% New Mexico initiative promotes new policies and programs to increase access to service, our 100% New Mexico murals are often the first step in inspiring action. Art can be incredibly powerful and the cultural messages expressed on a public mural can heal. The mural events have also become featured in our Road to 100% documentary series.

STEP BY STEP, THE POWER OF ART AND CULTURE IS STRENGTHENED

Creating a community mural project that engages both youth and adult artists to promote socially engaged community action can be a powerful way to bring people together, beautify public spaces, and inspire positive change. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you develop such a project:

Identify Purpose and Message: Define the purpose of the mural project and the social message that aligns with the 100% New Mexico initiative’s mission that you want to convey. It could be related to unity, diversity, local history, social justice, fighting “nay-sayers” (see the book Attack of the Three-Headed Hydras for ideas on working around those who want to keep the unsustainable status quo), or any other theme that’s relevant to your community.

Collaborative Planning: Involve community members, local artists, middle and high school art teachers, arts programs in higher ed, arts organizations, and potential participants in the planning process. Discuss the project’s goals, theme, location, timeline, and logistics. Gather input to ensure the mural reflects the initiative’s mission, the community’s values, and aspirations.

Secure Funding and Resources: Determine the budget required for the project. Seek funding from local government, businesses, grants, and community fundraising efforts. You’ll also need resources like paint, brushes, scaffolding, protective gear, and items and consumables for the mural celebration.

Choose a Location: Identify a suitable wall or public space for the mural. Consider factors such as visibility, foot traffic, community significance, and permissions from property owners or local authorities.

Recruit Artists: Reach out to both youth and adult artists in the community. Advertise through local schools, art organizations, social media, and community centers. Emphasize the project’s social engagement aspect to attract participants who are passionate about community impact.

Workshops and Design Sessions: Organize workshops or design sessions (perhaps a series of Saturday events) where artists of all ages can come together to brainstorm ideas, create concept sketches, and discuss the mural’s design. Encourage collaboration and incorporate diverse perspectives. Reach out to the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters to inquire about any mentors with a background in the arts.

Finalize Design: Work with the artists to refine and finalize the mural design based on the ideas generated during the workshops. Ensure the design effectively communicates the intended message.

Obtain Necessary Permission: If needed, obtain permission from property owners, local authorities, or relevant organizations to ensure that the mural project can proceed legally.

Preparations and Safety: Prepare the mural site by cleaning and priming the wall. Ensure safety measures are in place, including scaffolding, protective equipment, and proper ventilation if needed.

Mural Creation: Begin the painting process with the artists. Divide the design into manageable sections and assign artists to different parts. Mentoring artists can work with young artists. Encourage collaboration, creativity, and teamwork throughout the painting process.

Community Engagement Events: Organize community events around mural creation, such as open painting sessions, artist talks, workshops, and art-related activities for all ages. This helps build a sense of ownership and engagement among community members.

Documentation: Document the mural creation process through photos and videos. This documentation can be used for promotion, fundraising, and showcasing the project’s impact.

Unveiling and Celebration: Once the mural is complete, host an unveiling event or celebration where the community can come together to appreciate the artwork and the collaborative effort. Include speeches, performances, and activities to engage attendees. Consider placing the mural design on t-shirts and other swag. 

Long-Term Engagement: After the project is completed, continue to engage the community by organizing maintenance sessions, workshops, or events related to the mural’s theme. This helps ensure that the mural and its messages remain a focal point of community engagement. If your county has a few murals with similar themes, consider developing a mural tour (by car, bike, or foot) with a podcast on the history of each mural and biographies of the artists.

Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Assess the impact of the mural project on the community’s social engagement and awareness. Gather feedback from participants and community members to understand their perceptions and feelings about the project.