A vibrant community mural is taking shape in Zagreb, Croatia, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a six-person team from the UK, including Abi Wheeler, Tracy Mikich and Julie Jones-Evans from the Isle of Wight.
The mural will help to revitalise a busy urban passageway and also serve as an innovative example of collaborative art and urban place-making.
The team were guided and mentored by fine artist Sasha Fabris. After an initial period of research, where the team gathered information about the locality, heritage and community, images and motifs were produced in a series of creative workshops.
Sasha then helped to blend images to produce a collaborative mural design.
An attractive mural layered with meaning
Tracy Mikich explains,
“The mural highlights the importance of links, relationships and interconnectedness.
“Regional architecture, the importance of nature, references to the 2020 earthquake, and the solidarity of collective spirit are all present within the colourful design, creating an attractive mural layered with meaning.”
During the week-long painting process, the team formed a heartwarming connection with residents who not only engaged with them but also brought them refreshments and biscuits.
Added colour and interest to the neighbourhood
Julie Jones-Evans shared,
“We were touched by the community’s warm welcome.
“Locals expressed their delight at seeing the mural come to life, adding colour and interest to their neighbourhood.”
Informed and intelligent collaborative intervention
Abi Wheeler said,
“Our experience has highlighted that a collaborative intervention in a public space can be informed and intelligent.
“We’ve also seen that the local community has valued our own personal responses to their city.”
Social Sculptors
The project, called Social Sculptors, is part of the Turing Scheme, a program that enables international study and work experiences. Supported by Grampus Heritage and Training, a non-profit passionate about preserving European heritage and skills through immersive learning experiences, the initiative fosters not only creative development but also a deeper understanding of cultural narratives.
About Sasha Fabris
The Zagreb-based fine artist, Sasha Fabris, mentored the group. Her studio, Sasha Fabris Studios, where the mural is situated, is a collaborative space for artists.
The studio is part of a movement fostering cultural connections and aiming to establish a strong arts institution in Zagreb. See the website for more information.
About Grampus Heritage
Grampus Heritage and Training is a non-profit making organisation based in the North West of England. They support the Turing scheme and provide funded training opportunities through this programme to UK students, recent graduates and young workers.
See their website for more information.
News shared by Tracy, in her own words. Ed
