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Interactive Murals: Creativity That Tells a Story


Murals have the power to tell stories, inspire curiosity, and even bring people together. Interactive murals take this a step further by inviting people to engage, whether by decoding hidden messages or playing games. At Co-Creative Connection (CCC), we’ve seen how these kinds of murals can transform spaces and spark meaningful interactions. Our recent project with Holmleigh Primary School perfectly showcases the potential of interactive art to foster creativity, connection, and community pride.



A large group of people, including Holmleigh students, staff, parents and Rose to the middle left, stand with arms raised in celebration, in front of the completed mural. Visible of the mural is it's vibrant blue section and a part of the yellow section. There's an unveiling ribbon being held up by some of the kids
Holmleigh Primary School, Hackney 2024


What Makes a Mural Interactive?


Interactive murals are designed to do more than catch the eye; they invite you to take part. These walls become tools for discovery and collaboration, offering people of all ages a way to engage directly with the artwork. Whether through playful puzzles, thought-provoking themes, or tactile elements, interactive murals transform passive viewers into active participants.


The benefits of such projects ripple outwards. They encourage creativity, enhance learning, and strengthen bonds within a community. Most importantly, they make art accessible and inclusive -something anyone can engage with and feel proud of contributing to.



CCC mural at Holmleigh Primary School. There are two painted sections visible: one is a yellow and red triangular section with the school's name and logo, and CCC's logo, while the main section is a large blue wall decorated with multiple rows of colourful symbols including hearts, stars, globes, hands, flowers, and other decorative elements arranged in a repeating pattern. The day is bright and sunny with a clear blue sky.
Holmleigh Primary School, Hackney 2024


The Holmleigh Primary School Project


When Holmleigh Primary School partnered with us, their goal was clear: they wanted a mural that reflected their school’s identity while also involving their students in the creative process. Over several weeks, we worked with 150 children from Years 2 to 6, helping them bring their ideas to life in a way that would leave a lasting legacy.


Through a series of 12 workshops, students explored shapes, patterns, and colours, experimenting with how they could transform their ideas into something visually striking. These designs became an integral part of the final mural, ensuring every child felt their voice was included.


The mural itself is an interactive masterpiece. At its heart stands the Holmleigh Tree logo, a vibrant symbol of the school’s growth, community, and collaboration. The main mural showcases a coded message that spells out Holmleigh’s school values in a fun and engaging way. Using a key on the side of the mural, students, parents, and visitors can decipher the code, making the wall not just an artwork but an ongoing game and learning experience.

One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the children bring the mural to life. Armed with brushes and paint, they worked together to fill the wall with colour, energy, and their own creative spirit. The mural has since become a daily source of pride and excitement for everyone at the school, a reminder of what they can achieve when they come together.



Classroom with a large group of students stood facing the camers smiling. They hold us their artworks on their Pattern designs worksheet from CCC. Rose stands in the middle smiling
Holmleigh Primary School, Hackney 2024


Why Interactive Murals Matter


The Holmleigh project taught us a lot about the potential of interactive murals. They don’t just transform spaces visually - they create meaningful connections. For the students, the workshops gave them a sense of ownership and agency, showing them that their ideas and contributions matter.


For the wider school community, the mural is a conversation starter, a point of pride, and a fun, interactive feature that continues to engage and inspire. It’s also a symbol of collaboration, reminding everyone of the power of working together towards a shared goal.


Thank you so much to Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund for making this wonderful project possible!



This is the same Holmleigh Primary School mural, now with students posing in front of it. Ten children are lying back against the blue painted wall in a row, wearing school uniforms consisting mostly of navy sweaters/jumpers. One child is wearing a green top. The students are making playful poses with their arms raised or stretched out. The mural behind them shows the same decorative pattern of hearts, stars, globes, hands, and other symbols on the royal blue background. Cars are parked in the background. The school building with its windows and metal railings is visible, as are autumn trees with changing leaves.
Holmleigh Primary School, Hackney 2024


Looking Ahead


Interactive murals like Holmleigh’s remind us that art is something to experience. By involving communities in the creative process and adding elements that invite engagement, we’re transforming walls into living stories.


As we reflect on the success of Holmleigh’s mural, we’re excited about the potential of interactive designs to enhance more spaces. What could an interactive mural bring to your community? If you’re inspired by the idea of turning walls into tools for connection, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and let’s make something meaningful together.


Classroom with students working at their desk. Rose, wearing a bright red t-shirt and red bandana in her hair, is leaning over to help students with their work. The students are wearing school uniforms - yellow polo shirts and navy blue sweaters/tops. There are various art supplies and papers spread across the desks, including coloured pens, scissors, and paper materials. The classroom walls are decorated with colourful artwork.
Holmleigh Primary School, Hackney 2024


Rose and another woman standing and smiling side by side, in front of a blank wall in the NHS Islington Facility. Both are wearing a yellow construction jacket and helmets












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