A Celebration of Community and Creativity
In a small coastal town like Mablethorpe, where a sense of identity is sometimes overlooked, a community project sparked a creative wave, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to create something special.
The ‘Mabo Rain or Shine’ Community Street Art Wall, which has now found its permanent home at ‘The Signal Box’ in our new venue, Station Leisure & Learning Centre here in Mablethorpe, represents much more than a piece of artwork...
The project began with a simple idea: to design a Mablethorpe flag. The concept was born out of a desire to put Mablethorpe on the map. However, as discussions evolved, so did the scope of the project. What began as a flag design activity transformed into something more dynamic and inclusive – a communal graffiti wall. With the help of Midlands-based graffiti experts ImageSkool, the project turned into a vibrant hands-on experience, where locals were invited not only to get creative but also to share their thoughts about living, working, and enjoying life in Mablethorpe.
During SO Festival on June 16th, 2024, the idea came to life. Over 170 people, including around 140 local residents, gathered to create the 24ft x 4ft graffiti wall that encapsulated the spirit of the town. Despite the temperamental weather – sunshine and showers (it seems a typical British summer!) – the energy and enthusiasm did not waver. Together, the participants contributed colourful images and inspiring words, turning a blank canvas into a piece of art.
The process of creating the wall was as much about the conversations as it was about the art itself. With the help of ImageSkool facilitators and staff from the Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Services (LCVS), participants shared stories, memories, and messages that captured the essence of Mablethorpe. Kieran, Creative Producer of the SO Festival, remarked,
“The Graffiti Art Wall Project is a real testament to the value of community cohesion and voice. It saw hundreds of people come together and really enabled them to showcase their creative voice.”
Hannah Green, Community Development and Volunteering Officer at LCVS, echoed this sentiment:
“We were delighted by the creative enthusiasm shown by so many members of the community towards this project. Local people of all ages added their own personal touches to the wall, including some great positive messages about Mablethorpe.”
While the wall was originally created as part of the SO Festival, its impact has stretched far beyond the event. After traveling around town, being displayed in various locations, the ‘Mabo Rain or Shine’ wall has now found its permanent home at The Signal Box in Mablethorpe’s Station Leisure & Learning Centre. This space is more than just a venue; it is a community hub that fosters learning, connection, and creativity, making it the perfect place for such a significant piece of art!
The wall’s story doesn’t end there. Large prints and bookmarks featuring images of the mural have also been made, allowing the spirit of the project to live on in homes, shops, and personal collections across the town. The wall even continues to inspire future projects, including workshops with young people aimed at bringing more colour and creativity to Mablethorpe’s high street. This initiative is set to further strengthen ties between local businesses and the community, uniting them through the shared language of art.
A project of this scale and significance is only possible with the support of dedicated partners and the enthusiasm of the community. A special thanks is owed to ImageSkool, whose skilled facilitators helped residents find the confidence to express themselves through graffiti art. The project was generously funded by ISG Construction, whose commitment to supporting community development played a crucial role in making the project a reality.
The ‘Mabo Rain or Shine’ Community Street Art Wall is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together, quite simply…Rain or shine! It symbolises the creativity, resilience, and pride of the people of Mablethorpe. It stands as a reminder that, through art, we can express not only what makes our towns unique but also what connects us all.
If you’re looking for a meeting space our Signal Box room is available to book. For more information, contact us: hello@mvtlc.org
This vibrant mural will continue to be a source of inspiration for years to come, reminding everyone who sees it that Mablethorpe is much more than just a place – it’s a community full of creativity, heart, and hope.
So next time you visit the Station Leisure & Learning Centre, take a moment to stop by The Signal Box and admire the mural that was built by the hands and hearts of the Mablethorpe community.
Image & video credit: ImageSkool / Lincolnshire CVS
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