Public art has long played an important role in shaping how people experience towns and cities across the UK. From large-scale sculptures to striking murals, these creative expressions do far more than brighten grey walls or pavements — they add cultural, social, and even economic value to local communities.
Ground and wall murals can completely transform neglected or overlooked areas. A dull underpass, a tired brick wall, or an empty square can become a landmark through the power of colour and design. This visual transformation not only improves the look of the space but also encourages people to visit, walk, and spend time there.
A striking example is “Walk With Your Dreams” by Yinka Ilori at Milton Keynes Station. This colourful mural and installation transforms the pedestrian areas with bold geometric patterns and vibrant tones, celebrating optimism and inclusivity. The artwork has turned an otherwise plain transit space into a cheerful, engaging landmark for commuters and visitors alike. Learn more about our role in supporting this project here.
Public murals often tell a story — about a place, its people, or its history. When artists collaborate with local communities, the results feel personal and meaningful. Murals reflecting regional heritage, social causes, or local achievements help strengthen pride and identity.
The Marcus Rashford mural in Withington, Manchester, painted by Akse P19, celebrates the footballer’s campaign to end child food poverty. It has become a national symbol of unity and resilience, showing how community-driven art can spark positive social dialogue and inspire shared pride.
Murals have become part of the UK’s cultural tourism offering. Visitors are drawn to destinations known for their street art trails or distinctive public art scenes. Businesses near these installations often benefit from higher footfall, while property owners see an uplift in local appeal and value.
The Olympic Walkway murals, created during the 2012 London Games, are a key example. Stretching from Stratford to the Olympic Park, the series of ground and wall artworks transformed pedestrian routes into vibrant visual journeys celebrating sport, diversity, and community spirit. Even years later, the murals continue to attract visitors and reflect the legacy of London’s creative regeneration. Learn more about our role in supporting this project.
Unlike art displayed in galleries, murals are accessible to everyone. They remove barriers by bringing creativity directly into everyday life. Ground murals, in particular, invite people to interact with the artwork — walking through, standing on, or photographing it — creating an inclusive and memorable experience.
Sustainability is becoming a central pillar in modern public art. A prime example is the “COP26 Clean Air Murals” by Lawless Studio (in partnership with Zero Carbon) on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow. The artwork uses a specialised air-purifying paint, with each arch designed to absorb the same amount of CO₂ as a mature tree over the course of a year.
It shows how public art can be both visually striking and environmentally meaningful — accessible to all, while tackling real-world sustainability goals.
Photo Credit : Lawless Studio – Clean Air Murals
The value of public art cannot always be measured in numbers, but its impact is clear. Ground and wall murals bring people together, celebrate identity, and turn ordinary locations into places of connection and creativity. Across the UK, they remind us that art is not just for galleries — it belongs to everyone, in the spaces we share every day.
If you’re planning large-scale murals we can help you realise the concept with full support—from design through to material, manufacture and on-site application.
