New
New
Building community
I can design a mural for a community space.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Building community
I can design a mural for a community space.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Art is often used as a tool to build emotional support, reduce isolation and foster connections.
- Art helps to develop community by providing a welcoming environment.
- Community murals can be used to bring diverse families together, celebrate cultures and strengthen social bonds.
Keywords
Community - a group of people living, working or socialising in the same places
Environment - the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives
Mural - a painting or other work of art made directly onto a wall
Common misconception
A common misconception about murals is that they are only decorative.
They often carry powerful social, cultural, or political messages.
Encourage students to explore the history and cultural significance of murals from different times and places. This will help them to see murals as powerful storytelling tools, not just decoration.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Paper, pencil, ruler, dry or wet media of choice.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Is it normal to have mixed or complicated feelings about family?
Is it normal to have mixed or complicated feelings about family?
No, you should always feel close to your family.
No, it's best not to talk about those feelings.
Q2.What does the word connection mean in a relationship?
What does the word connection mean in a relationship?
A place where people gather
A job someone does for another person
Q3.What does family mean?
What does family mean?
Friends you only see once in a while.
People related by blood only.
Q4.How can a family portrait show a positive connection?
How can a family portrait show a positive connection?
By only including one family member in the picture
By using dark colours and the family members spaced out.
Q5.Does a family portrait have to be realistic?
Does a family portrait have to be realistic?
Yes, it must look exactly like the people
Yes because otherwise the viewer wouldn't recognise anyone in the painting
Q6.Which colour could express an argumentative relationship?
Which colour could express an argumentative relationship?
Green as it's a calming colour
Yellow which is a joyful colour
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is an online community?
What is an online community?
A group of people who live on the same trainline
A group of people of the same age
Q2.What is meant by community?
What is meant by community?
A place where only animals live
A single person living alone
Q3.How can art help build community cohesion?
How can art help build community cohesion?
By isolating individuals from each other
By creating competition between community members
Q4.What is a common misconception about murals?
What is a common misconception about murals?
Murals can tell stories or express community values
Murals are created to inspire or provoke thought
Q5.Are murals a modern art form?
Are murals a modern art form?
Yes, murals were invented only in the 21st century
Yes, murals are only found in urban areas today
