Us and them: We draw together: Exploring inclusivity in a community mural project

The Community Mural Project in St Pauls, Cheltenham, United Kingdom reflects on the dynamics of ‘us and them’ within a community mural initiative. It seeks to develop inclusive social spaces through participatory arts-based research using drawing. The article also addresses the complexities of power and influence in mural arts. Furthermore, it examines the interconnectedness of community and the role of drawing and illustration methods in understanding and addressing inclusivity and exclusivity. The project takes place in St Pauls, a mixed-class area of Cheltenham known for its annual festivals, where observations and reflections from the interdisciplinary team contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the project’s context. The project included workshops, community consultations and the creation of twelve mini-murals, each a product of diverse images. These phases aimed to break down barriers and facilitate collaboration among community members, addressing power differentials and the complexities of community dynamics.