The collaborative mural created by University for the Creative Arts (UCA) master students is more than a decorative addition to a hospice wall; it is a visual statement of hope, community, and the tangible impact that art can have on those facing profound challenges.
How a Blank Wall Became a Storytelling Canvas
At the Christopher’s Ward of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices in Guildford, a previously empty wall offered a unique canvas for an idea that had already sparked excitement in both art students and hospice staff. Two MA Illustration candidates, On Ruengworadakul and Reshma Vattackal Suresh, stepped forward with a proposal to transform the space into a vibrant landscape that would support families walking through often‑intense emotional journeys.
The narrative behind the mural is simple yet powerful – it features layered, fantastical elements that mirror the resilience and imagination of children who receive care at the hospice. The design emphasizes light, color, and movement, creating an atmosphere that is both soothing and uplifting. The result is an artwork that welcomes visitors, offers a point of reflection, and turns a routine hospital environment into an inspirational environment.
Project Workflow: From Dream to Brick and Mortar
Initial Brief and Collaboration
Shooting Star’s Care team issued a brief asking students to produce a piece that celebrated the charity’s ethos of warmth, compassion, and community. The brief required artwork that would resonate with patients, families, and support staff alike. The students embraced the challenge, translating the hospice’s mission into a visual language of light, hope, and shared experience.
Design and Approval Process
The mural went through a rigorous approval cycle. The students presented digital mock-ups, describing the symbolism behind each element. After several rounds of feedback, a final design was approved in time for a dedicated installation weekend. This stage illustrates how professional practice demands clear communication, ability to incorporate feedback, and flexibility – all essential skills for aspiring illustration professionals.
Fabrication and Execution
Over four intensive days, the pair worked painting and outlining techniques across a wall measured at 10 meters long and 3 meters high – a surface large enough to cast a significant presence. The students employed a combination of spray paint, acrylic blends, and hand‑stenciled accents, ensuring that the color palette mirrored the original design plan while reacting seamlessly to the environmental lighting inside the hospice.
During installation, hospice volunteers helped secure the mural in a climate‑controlled environment, safeguarding the integrity of the artwork. The final product showcases the precision of the students’ skill and the care of the hospice’s collaborative approach.
Impact on the Community and on Students
A Visual Anchor for Families
For families arriving at the hospice, the mural serves as more than decoration; it offers a point of connection, healing, and emotional respite. According to Lucy Hooper, Social Media and Content Officer at Shooting Star, “The mural brings a sense of light into a space where grief and hope often coexist. The colors and motifs feel like a welcoming hand.”
Professional Development for Students
Working on a live brief of this scale bridges the gap between studio work and the real world. The students combined modelling prospective cues from the hospice with research on environmental art therapy to align the mural’s aesthetics with therapeutic outcomes.
Professor Tom Walker, Programme Director for Illustration and Journalism at UCA, highlighted that the project “offers our graduate and postgraduate students an experiential learning opportunity where the creation process intersects with clinical significance.” The event allowed students to develop resilience, refine time‑management skills, and understand how to manage diverse stakeholder expectations.
Celebrating the Role of Community Art in Healthcare Settings
Historically, hospitals have turned to restorative environments as part of healing strategies. Incorporating art into care spaces has been shown to reduce patient anxiety, shorten recovery times, and improve overall well‑being. The Collaboration between UCA students and Shooting Star exemplifies how a creative partnership can translate into measurable positive outcomes for a community.
Community art projects like this one also provide tangible evidence of a university’s social responsibility. By offering students real‑world projects that address community needs, UCA demonstrates how art education can serve a broader purpose beyond the page or studio.
Translating the Experience into Your Own Artistic Journey
Seek Opportunities for Public Art Assignments
If you have an interest in illustration or visual communication, consider volunteering for local charities, schools, or community centers. These settings provide a ready audience and a meaningful context for your work.
Showcase Your Process on Professional Portfolios
Document every stage of the project – concept sketches, client meetings, installation photos – and place them together under a “Community Projects” portfolio section. A clear narrative demonstrates project management skills and a commitment to social impact.
Apply for Programs That Emphasise Social Engagement
In the UK, several universities integrate community engagement into their art curricula. UCA’s MA Illustration course, for instance, includes modules that challenge students to collaborate with external organisations. Studying at a university with such emphasis can give you the tools you need to replicate this level of success.
Take the First Step: Join UCA’s Illustration Pathway
UCA’s illustration programme offers a rigorous curriculum that blends technical skill‑building with real‑world experience. The course is respected for its focus on narrative, fine‑art techniques, and client communication – all exemplified by the successful mural project.
To learn more about study options, application deadlines or see current projects from UCA students, you can visit the illustration programme page on the UCA website.
Next Steps for Aspiring Artists and Community Advocates
If you are interested in using illustration and design to facilitate positive change in community settings, consider exploring the following actions:
- Submit your application today to a master’s or undergraduate illustration course that offers client‑based projects, particularly those that partner with non‑profits.
- Schedule a free consultation with a UCA admissions advisor to understand how their curriculum aligns with your career goals.
- Share your experiences in the comments below or on your own social media if you have undertaken a community art project – your story can inspire others.
- Explore related articles on UCA’s blog to learn about additional collaborative projects and the impact of visual arts on well‑being.
- Consider attending UCA’s Open Days to meet faculty, view student work, and assess the environment first‑hand.
When you combine purposeful illustration with community outreach, you not only gain hands‑on experience but also produce work that offers healing and connection. The mural at Shooting Star Children’s Hospice demonstrates that art can bridge gaps, support families, and create pathways for creative students to practice and grow.
Final Thoughts
The mural stands as a testament to the power of partnership between students and social institutions. For students, it is a professional milestone that showcases skill, empathy, and project management. For communities, it is a reminder that art can be a source of relief, hope, and belonging.
Whether you are an artist in training or a community veer looking to make a difference, projects like this provide a template for how to translate creative talent into impactful outcomes. Embark on a journey that moves audiences, heals environments, and expands your professional portfolio – the opportunities await. Learn more about illustration at UCA today.
