From the Isle of Wight to Zagreb: Community Mural Celebrates Art and Unity
An amazing opportunity came our way to be part of a public art project! We spent three incredible weeks immersed in Zagreb, Croatia, collaborating with a fantastic team of six people from the UK. We (Abi Wheeler, Tracy Mikich, and Julie Jones-Evans) all hail from the Isle of Wight, and together we helped create a vibrant community mural that’s taking shape in Zagreb. This project aims 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 we 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.
“The mural highlights the importance of links, relationships and interconnectedness,” says Tracy. “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, we formed a heartwarming connection with residents who not only engaged with them but also brought them refreshments and biscuits! “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,“ shared Julie
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.”
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.
Photograph left to right: Stephanie Anjo, Sasha Fabris, Julie Jones-Evan, Emily Turner, Lottie Wilson, Tracy Mikich, Abi Wheeler.
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. https://www.sashafabristudios.com/
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. https://www.grampusheritage.co.uk/about-us/
