Digitization of Public Murals in the UK: A Comprehensive Project by Art UK

In January 2024, the charity Art UK launched an ambitious initiative to digitize and catalog over 6,600 public murals across the United Kingdom. This project aims to document the diverse range of public art, from small murals on bollards in Shrewsbury to large-scale works on high-rise buildings in cities like Gosport. The initiative reflects a significant increase in the prevalence of murals, driven by local councils and regeneration bodies commissioning art to revitalize urban areas post-COVID.

The Guardian

The murals identified in this project encompass a variety of themes. According to Art UK, 19% of the murals are commemorative, celebrating national events and social movements. Additionally, 23% depict wildlife and animals, while 11% reflect heritage and industry, often highlighting industries that have declined. Examples include a mural of a miner with a canary in Wrexham and playful depictions like "Lola the Barras Pirate" in Glasgow, which aims to bring joy to viewers.

The Guardian

Katey Goodwin, deputy chief executive of Art UK, noted that the rise in murals is partly due to their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional public art forms, such as statues. She emphasized that murals have transitioned from being subversive to mainstream, with many serving to enhance the vibrancy of urban environments.

The Guardian

The success of the digitization project relies heavily on the contributions of volunteers who photograph and document the murals. Art UK has also collaborated with street art festivals to expand its catalog. Goodwin acknowledged the transient nature of some murals, as they can be painted over or lost due to building renovations. As of now, the project has recorded just under 6,700 murals, with the understanding that new works are continually emerging.

The Guardian

The project has garnered positive feedback from street artists, including Essex-based Scotty Irving, who highlighted the educational potential of street art. He shared an experience where a mural he created became a live lesson for local schoolchildren, demonstrating the ability of public art to engage communities and inspire learning.

The Guardian

While Art UK has documented a substantial number of murals, it acknowledges that the project does not encompass every mural in the UK. The organization has opted not to include graffiti and tagging in its catalog due to the ephemeral nature of such works, which could complicate the project's scope and increase costs.

The Guardian

• “It has gone from seeing a few murals here and there to them being everywhere,” — Katey Goodwin, Deputy Chief Executive, Art UK

The Guardian

• “connects people to true stories” — Scotty Irving, Street Artist

The Guardian

This digitization project not only preserves the visual history of public art in the UK but also fosters community engagement and appreciation for the evolving landscape of urban art.

The Guardian