Colourful Communities mural by Aruba Mahmud installed at the South London Community Pool through the Songlines Project

London Arts Council
4 days ago
3 min read

Colourful Communities by Aruba Mahmud, was installed at the South London Community Pool (585 Bradley Ave) on the exterior and interior pool windows and unveiled on. Mahmud's mural is the second created through the Songlines Project.

ABOUT THE SONGLINES PROJECT

In January 2023 the City of London participated with the Huron University Management and Organizational Studies Class on a City Studio Project to study what London could learn from other UNESCO designated cities about creative collaborations that could benefit London. The “Songlines” proposed initiative developed by a group of students from this class, based upon a previous UNESCO program developed in Auckland New Zealand, won the City Studio community of choice award at the end of term Hubbub Event held at the Pillar Nonprofit Network in April 2023.

The City of London Culture Services and the London Arts Council, in partnership with the London Music Office and the Rotary Club of London, have come together to create the “Songlines Project.” This project will showcase the artwork of London’s local visual artists that is accompanied by a “Songlines” QR Code that links to the London Music Office’s Spotify channel and the diverse music of talented local musicians at various stages of their music careers.In alignment with City of London 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan, the “Songlines” project has a strategic focus on Economic Growth, Culture, and Prosperity. It hopes to support the outcomes of London as a destination of choice and encourage the growth of local artistic and musical talent. “Songlines” will contribute to London’s UNESCO City of Music designation.

Songlines will beautify London’s streetscapes, communities, and neighbourhoods and strengthen London’s brand as an artistic and creative hub. Emerging and mid-career musicians and visual artists will gain more exposure to establish their brand that will further their careers to be export ready for more regional and international opportunities. This will in turn contribute more to the local cultural economy.

ABOUT THE PUBLIC ART AND MONUMENT PROGRAM

The City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program facilitates the creation of public art in London, which bolsters civic pride, provides focal points for community celebration, creates meaningful employment for artists, and attracts tourism and investment.

This mural was created by the artist through the City’s Public Art and Monument Program, managed by the City’s Culture Services team and administered by the London Arts Council and Indigenous London Arts, with support by the Rotary Club of London, and presented in partnership with the London Music Office.

ABOUT THE MURAL: COLOURFUL COMMUNITIES

“These paintings, originally done in watercolour, gouache, and acrylic before being digitally printed, are inspired by the beautiful and important coral reefs found in oceans around the world. As coral reefs are found in oceans all over the world and are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems found in nature, they are reflective of the vibrant and diverse community in London.

The artist’s hope is that these colourful paintings remind us of the beauty of the natural world and the need to take care of it.

Have fun finding Sitara the blue starfish in all five paintings, along with her friends Jorge the jellyfish, Chen the clownfish, Sami the seahorse, Tamara the turtle, and Esa the eel!”

– Aruba Mahmud, 2024

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Aruba Mahmud is an artist, teacher and entrepreneur born and raised in Ontario, who now resides in London with her family. Aruba has always drawn, painted, decorated, glued, cut, and collaged her way through life. She is inspired by her Islamic faith, her vibrant Pakistani heritage, and the beauty of nature. Aruba studied Visual Arts at Western University and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Art Education.

When she's not creating (and making a mess), Aruba is reading, writing and trying to make the world more colourful and less racist. You can say hi and check out her latest work and business, Art by Aruba, here: Instagram: @art.by.aruba Website: www.artbyaruba.com