Press Release: For immediate release
The Lewisham School of Muralism led by Artmongers has completed its first course culminating with the production of an extraordinary participatory mural on the side of Lewisham Shopping Center.
As part of the course, six students had to learn how to engage a community group in a creative process which would result on an idea for the mural. We engaged eight participants who either were connected to the theme of Migration or were local people who wanted to influence the conversation.
The Migration Museum which is currently located at Shopping Center, led the first online session with participants and students, giving insight into how they approach the communication of complex themes in their displays and talk about the museums ethos.
During following three workshops the students lead the process of guiding participants through the creative process. We then discussed what had taken place and how to redirect next sessions to find a good result.
Patricio Forrester, founder of Artmongers and LSoM said: ´We realised on our first workshop that the issue of migration has some heavy and unappealing resonances so we decided to frame the issue in the context of Advertising, rather than Art. We though: we could do an Ad about having a Holiday from our own prejudice… or a shoe Ad about arriving to a new place and having to leave something behind both physically and in our minds. This is an original approach, different to thinking people are just constantly good or bad´
Robyn Kasozi from the Migration Museum said
“The Migration Museum is proud to call Lewisham home and to have helped inspire the talented students from the Lewisham School of Muralism to create this mural. We look forward to reopening soon and welcoming back visitors from Lewisham and beyond to share stories and explore how the movement of people has shaped who we are – as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.”
Paul Redden from Landsec “Connecting communities is incredibly important at Lewisham so we’re really proud to be able to showcase the mural created by the talented students from the Lewisham School of Muralism. It conveys an important topic in a creative way and we hope our shoppers engage with the artwork when the centre re-opens fully.”
Hera Lorandos from Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network said: ´Amazing work by Lewisham School of Muralism! Everyone is doing their part to make this amazing place a borough of Sanctuary. We are so glad to see such a visual commitment to sanctuary that helps make Lewisham feel even more welcoming.”
If you have any queries or pictures email Patricio Forrester
Making of Photos: https://bit.ly/3fwu6tm
For more info about leading organisations LSOmuralism.org or artmongers.org
Relevant Social media handles:
Lewisham School of Muralism @lsomuralism
Artmongers @artmongers
Migration Museum @MigrationUK
Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network @LRMNetwork