Why murals matter in public spaces and communities
Photo Credit: Squiggly Ink for Swindon Borough Council
In cities and towns around the world, murals are turning ordinary walls into vibrant landmarks. But public murals aren’t just about beautifying a space—they’re about connection, identity, and transformation.
Here’s why murals matter so much in public spaces and the communities they serve.
They tell local stories
Every community has a story to tell, and murals are one of the most powerful ways to do it. Public art can reflect the people, history, culture, and values of a neighbourhood in a way that feels authentic and unifying.
Whether it’s honouring a local hero, depicting a historic moment, or celebrating cultural diversity, murals give a place a unique character.
They build community pride
When residents see their identity reflected in public art, it creates a sense of belonging and pride. Community murals—especially those developed with input or participation from local people—can foster stronger emotional connections to a neighbourhood.
Photo credit: Mural by the talented Mr Murals - for Digbeth Loc Studio’s
They’re also a powerful reminder: you belong here, and your story matters.
They revitalise neglected spaces
A blank, crumbling, or graffiti-covered wall can feel like a symbol of neglect, but a mural has the power to transform it into something positive and engaging.
By reimagining rundown or overlooked spaces, murals:
Attract tourists
Deter vandalism
Encourage further investment in the area
Help shift public perception of a space
They make art accessible to everyone
Not everyone visits galleries or museums, but everyone walks past walls. Public murals bring art directly into daily life, offering free access to creativity, beauty, and inspiration. In doing so, make art inclusive, not exclusive.
Photo credit: Add Fuel - mural in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA, 2022
They spark conversations and connection
Great murals don’t just decorate—they provoke thought, stir emotion, and invite dialogue. They can become meeting points, photo ops, or the start of conversations about identity, change, and hope. In divisive times, a mural can remind us of what connects us.
They inspire the next generation
For young people, seeing art in their environment can be deeply influential. Murals can inspire creativity, foster curiosity, and even plant the seed for future artists, designers, or community leaders.
When young people see walls turned into canvases, it opens their eyes to what’s possible—not just in art, but in life. Murals are public inspiration, one wall at a time.
Photo credit: Eloisa Artist - for East Dulwich Harris Academy Primary
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Kate & Norman x