Courses

LSoM Short Course: Introduction to Muralism:

We are presently conducting a brief course at the University of East London known as The Sports Dock Commission. Participation is open exclusively to UEL members. The course is scheduled to take place from November 10th to January 23rd and involves the creation and execution of a site-specific mural on campus. Sessions are scheduled for Fridays, from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 2 pm.

The course is structured as follows:

1. Overview

• Introduction to Artmongers Participatory muralism: Emphasising murals that harmonise with architectural surroundings.

• Introduction to copylefting: Delving into copyleft processes through engaging workshops.

2. Exploring Ideas - Workshop Progression:

• Developing creative concepts and sketches.

• Planning for workshops, with a focus on the copyleft process.

• Further exploration of innovative ideas and angles.

• Ongoing development of sketches.

3. Scaling Up and Adaptation:

• Understanding the Doodle Grid technique for enlarging images and adapting them to fit the final location and scale.

4. Risk Assessment and Production Logistics:

• In-depth exploration of risk assessment and method statements to ensure safety.

• Managing production logistics for effective mural creation.

5. Design Development and Proposal:

• Guidance on refining mural designs and proposal creation.

6. Working at Heights and Site Preparation:

Ensuring safety protocols and best practices when working at elevated heights.

Preparing the mural site for the artwork installation.

Throughout the course, students will not only learn the theoretical foundations but will also put this knowledge into practice through hands-on experiences. The culmination of this learning journey will be the actual execution of mural painting, providing a real-world context for the skills and insights acquired during the course.

LSoM Muralist Development Course:

The LSoM Muralist Development Course, running at Goldsmiths, has already selected its students. The course will span from January 6th to April 6th, 2023. Over three months, students will create their participatory mural and contribute to a large-scale mural at a prominent location in Waterloo, Central London.

Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings (6 - 8 pm) for discussions and on Saturdays (10 am - 1 pm) for practical work, either individually or in teams. Each student will launch their participatory mural mini-project during the course, encouraging the application of learned information. Students can choose to collaborate with another student for their mini-project. Throughout this process, students will identify their strengths and weaknesses, and evaluations of both their project and their peers will be expected.

The course will culminate in the creation of a large-scale mural directed by Artmongers. This final project around Waterloo Station will provide students with insights into the complete participatory mural process, from idea development and synthesis to artistic direction, potential conflict resolution, and evaluation. This immersive experience promises a mix of enjoyable moments, high-pressure situations, and the more intricate aspects of creating murals for public spaces.

1. Introduction to Muralism – Public Art

• Overview of the course and its timeline.

• Introduction to the mural mini project.

• Securing a painting wall, including potential collaboration with fellow students.

• Overview of the end-of-course mural project.

• Project management essentials, including scheduling and funding options.

2. Working with the public (and getting their support)

• Artistic responsibility within a team.

• Community engagement methodologies, including copyleft.

• Navigating legal aspects such as council regulations, permissions, and risk assessments.

3. Creating Through Consensus (Participatory Process)

• Balancing the politics of public art.

• Exploring ideas and themes for community engagement.

• Evaluating the true democratic nature of art.

• Design development processes, considering time constraints.

4. Turning ideas into Artwork

• Urban cultural development considerations.

• Understanding the logic of a space and its potential for change.

5. Making it Happen

• Budgeting for mural projects.

• Creating realistic timelines.

• Planning and estimating quantities of materials and equipment.

• Addressing health and safety concerns, including safeguarding.

• Building a supportive team.

6. Painting a Mural – On-Site Skills

• Scaling up artwork and integrating it with the chosen wall.

• Constructing scaffolding towers.

• Defining specific mural areas.

• Managing volunteers, and adapting to their skill levels.

• Balancing rest times and project progression.

• Recognising when adjustments are needed and when to conclude work.

• Varnishing and anti-graffiti measures.