School Murals: Inspiring Creativity, Connection, and Community

Welcome to my School Murals page! I specialise in creating vibrant, meaningful murals that transform school spaces and engage students.

As an experienced mural artist with over 10 years in public spaces, I make the process simple and stress-free, from planning to completion. I’m Bohie Blackwood, and I lead each project, collaborating with artists and specialists as needed.

My focus in 2025 is on Regional Victoria, including Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Ballarat, and Melbourne, but I serve schools nationwide, tailoring each mural to your school's needs and student abilities.

Project Snapshots

  • Participating students getting their flex on, infront of their new creation for their high school Flexible Learning Centre

    Participating students getting their flex on, infront of their new creation for their high school Flexible Learning Centre

  • school workshop participants posing with quotes from our public space mural focus, olympic athlete, caroline buchanan for International Women's Day 2021

    School workshop participants posing with quotes from our public space mural focus, Olympic athlete, Caroline Buchanan for International Women's Day 2021

  • Teachers, students and youth workers contribute to interactive public space activation artwork

    Teachers, students and youth workers contribute to interactive public space activation artwork

  • Raising young women+ voices in a public space artwork commissioned by UNWomen

    Raising young women+ voices in a public space artwork commissioned by UNWomen

  • Athletes celebrating their cross-generation community engagement mural at local sporting field. Project design in collaboration with Faith Kerehona

    Athletes celebrating their cross-generation community engagement mural at local sporting field. Project design in collaboration with Faith Kerehona

  • College students discussing identity and gender stereotypes in a mural planning workshop

    College students discussing identity and gender stereotypes in a mural planning workshop

  • Students, community members, council workers and teachers coming together for this skatepark youth drop in hub mural project

    Students, community members, council workers and teachers coming together for this skatepark youth drop in hub mural project

  • Young people designing their own skateboard decks at a school holiday program for the Australian National Museum

    Young people designing their own skateboard decks at a school holiday program for the Australian National Museum

  • Mural workshop participants interviewed alongside Olympian by WIN news and ABC to celebrate their International Women's Day project

    Mural workshop participants interviewed alongside Olympian by WIN news and ABC to celebrate their International Women's Day project

  • "You're Somebody's Someone": A telling slogan for a community-engagement mural at local sportsfield raising awareness for youth suicide in collaboration with Sion Gryffud from Kraken Kreative

    "You're Somebody's Someone": A telling slogan for a community-engagement mural at local sportsfield raising awareness for youth suicide in collaboration with Sion Gryffud from Kraken Kreative

  • At-risk high school youth posing in front of their co-designed and co-created mural in the Wellbeing Office of their high school. This design reflected methods of relaxation to inspire calm when heightened students entered the space.

    At-risk high school youth posing in front of their co-designed and co-created mural in the Wellbeing Office of their high school. This design reflected methods of relaxation to inspire calm when heightened students entered the space.

  • Young people expressing their voices on sustainability and mental wellbeing through a temporary street art installation using only recycled materials

My Role as Facilitator and Collaborator

Facilitator Mindset:

My role is all about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable to speak up and share their ideas. I adapt my program to meet the needs of your community, helping you bring your vision to life while striking a harmonious balance between guiding your group and letting ideas flow naturally.

Collaboration as Empowerment:

Instead of telling youth what to do, I work alongside them to co-create your project. I’m there to help them find their voice and give your community the tools to shape their environment—whether it’s through a mural, a creative artefact (animation, art project, recycling project etc), or something completely unique. It’s about helping young people to own the process.

Leading from Behind:

While co-creating the design process, I offer my skills and experience, while guiding the group shape the final outcome. It’s not just about the finished end result; it’s about the design journey that we take together, the connections we make, and the impact that lasts long after the project is done.

This graffiti-covered sports pavilion was transformed with over 165 sq/m of mural art,
painted by Grade 11 students in collaboration with local seniors.

Packages

Youth Leaders in Action Mentorship Program

Empowering Youth through Storytelling

Environmental and Social Activism through Public Art

Celebrating Calendar Days (School Fete, Earth Day, Science Week, etc.)

Public Art as a Tool for Well-Being Across Our Community

Relevant Events: Leadership Week (April), National Youth Week (April), International Day of the Girl (October 11)

This program could be incorporated during events dedicated to youth leadership, where students get the opportunity to mentor each other, explore their leadership potential, and reflect their values through public art.

Relevant Events: National Storytelling Week (first week of February), Book Week (August), National Literacy and Numeracy Week (August)

Perfect for occasions where students share their personal or community stories. This theme aligns well with literacy events and can help give voice to students through creative murals and storytelling workshops.

Relevant Events: Earth Day (April 22), World Environment Day (June 5), Clean Up Australia Day (March 3), Plastic Free July (July)

This theme would be a great fit for environmentally focused events where students learn about sustainability and take action through art. It can also connect with initiatives like "Youth Climate Strikes" or school campaigns to promote eco-consciousness.

Science Week (August 16-24) – Perfect for creating murals that highlight scientific discoveries or concepts, encouraging students’ curiosity in STEM fields.

Earth Day (April 22) – A great opportunity to engage students in creating a mural that represents their commitment to the environment and sustainability.

School Fete (dates vary) – School fairs or festivals can feature murals that celebrate school spirit, local culture, or unity.

International Women’s Day (March 8) – A theme focused on gender equality, empowering women, and celebrating contributions by women in society, especially in a school setting.

Relevant Events:

  1. Mental Health Week (October 6-12) – Murals created during Mental Health Week can be focused on promoting positive mental health, fostering a sense of well-being and support among students.

  2. World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) – A time to highlight the importance of mental well-being and to encourage open dialogue through art.

  3. Wellbeing Month (May) – Schools could use this month to launch art projects that encourage mindfulness, inclusivity, and emotional support.

Testimonials

“It has always been a pleasure working with Bohie to develop and create programs for young people. Her constant positivity, passion, and creative expression have no doubt made an immeasurable impact on youth within the community. Her youth-focused approach has always left young people feeling heard, empowered, and a key part of every project. If only there were more Bohie’s out there!” - Zac Noble, Youth Worker.

“I believe this mural workshop gave the participants a great sense of accomplishment and belonging. Bohie’s approachability and talent are something for everyone to admire and strive to achieve. We loved every minute of it.” - Samantha Pawsey, Youth Support Worker.

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for running the workshop. It has meant so much to me and was incredibly inspiring. Working and creating art with you has really given me a new perspective... and has opened me up to so many new ideas and experiences.” - Youth Workshop Participant.

“Absolute integrity from A to Z. Design, research, execution, professionalism, inclusion, kindness and an absolute rock star for the planet and for supporting up and coming females in the sector. Onwards and Upwards.” - Sophie Peer from Suburban Land Agency, ACT Government 

“Bohie is organised, resourceful, and genuinely committed to creating positive experiences and opening up new possibilities for the people she works with.” - Michelle Grimston, Programs Officer, Belco Arts.

“One of the nicest things about this process has been how easy Bohie’s been to work with. Often times schools are really chaotic places - things change last minute, we forget to give information, or we can’t access the space, or whatever it is we’re doing is a little bit more disorganised than lots of other environments.

I think Bohie’s just been excellent about rolling with what we can and can’t achieve, and when we can and can’t do it - along with beautiful interactions with the kids, and I think that’s always nice too. [The mural] hasn’t been something that we’ve had to separate the children from, they’ve been able to wander through and talk to Bohie, and talk to a ‘real artist’ about process and the thinking behind the design. It’s been great.

She’s super responsive and really flexible. Keeping true to her own artistic designs, Bohie’s been incredibly flexible about being able to make changes happen.” - Melanie Coffill, Deputy Principal, Wanniassa School Junior Campus and Pre School.

Past Favourites

Raising Young Female Voices through the Frame of Sustainability

In this short video, I sit down with young female participants, aged 16-23, from various schools across Canberra, as we reflect on our collaborative street art workshop, “Scratchin’ the Surface.” In partnership with Northside Community Services and funded by the ACT Government’s TCCS, the project focused on using only recycled materials to explore the theme “Raise young female voices within the frame of sustainability.” Together, we tackled the question, “What change would you like to see in the world, and what’s stopping it?”

The final artwork was showcased during the Surface Street Art Festival at the Ainslie + Gorman Gallery in March 2022.

Discussing Themes of Mental Wellbeing Beyond Gender Stereotyping for International Women’s Day

In this short video, I explore the Choose to Challenge project, a co-created youth street art initiative in partnership with Erindale College. Over two days, 8 students worked together to workshop the theme "Choose to Challenge," inspired by a keynote talk from female Olympian Caroline Buchanan, who shared her insights on overcoming negative thinking and gender stereotypes. The workshop also included an “Expressive Type” module, where we used art to empower ourselves and our voices.

Why Choose a School Mural?

I know your time is valuable, so I handle every step of the mural process:

I specialise in creating murals that resonate with students, staff, and the school community. Popular themes include:

Have something else in mind?
Let me bring your vision to life!

Murals are more than just artwork—they’re opportunities to:

  • Foster Creativity: I encourage students to contribute their ideas and artistic flair.

  • Promote Inclusion: I highlight themes of diversity, respect, and mental wellbeing.

  • Celebrate Your School Identity: I help showcase your values, history, or achievements.

  • Create Inspiring Spaces: I transform dull walls into vibrant environments for learning and connection.

  1. Initial Consultation: I meet with your team to understand your goals, themes, and vision.

  2. Co-Design Workshops: I facilitate workshops where students and staff can collaborate on the mural concept.

  3. Design Approval: I provide professional designs based on your input for final approval.

  4. Mural Creation: I bring the vision to life, ensuring a stunning and lasting result.

  5. Optional: If we’re short on time, I can create the design independently based on your brief, or from student input prior to my engagement.

  1. Environmental Awareness: Promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

  2. Mental Wellbeing: Highlighting messages of resilience, inclusivity, and diversity.

  3. School Spirit: Celebrating your school’s motto, values, history, or achievements.

  4. Cultural Diversity: Showcasing the rich cultural backgrounds of your school community.

  1. Student Engagement: My workshops empower students to take part in the creative process, fostering pride and ownership.

  2. Experienced Artist: With over 10 years of mural experience, I deliver high-quality, professional artwork tailored to your needs.

  3. Hassle-Free Service: From concept to completion, I take care of everything so you can focus on your school priorities.

  4. Eco-Friendly Materials: I prioritise sustainable paints and practices, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly project.

Growing confidence

I’ve collaborated with diverse groups—including youth, community organisations, corporate teams, LGBTQI+, First Nations, differently abled, and at-risk individuals—to ignite creativity and foster belonging through co-created murals and community space projects. Participants actively shape the artwork, leaving a lasting impact on their environment.

Building together

I believe active participation in public art energises communities, fostering pride and collaboration across diverse groups. By partnering across disciplines and cultures, we create artwork that beautifies, communicates meaningful messages, and drives community engagement.

“We LOVE the mural work you did on the Narrabundah Sporting Pavilion. It talks to exactly who we are as a club - it's fun, strong, and bold. Training next to it makes us feel proud...”

Emma Steel.
Narrabundah Football Club Member.

Participants actively contribute to their environment while collectively shaping our shared spaces.

Selected Case Studies

  • Raising young female voices through the frame of sustainability.

    Using only recycled materials, this street art workshop focused on 6 x 16-23 year old females from various schools across Canberra, workshopping the theme “Raise young female voices within the frame of sustainability”. I asked the question “What change would you like to see in the world, and what’s stopping it?”. Created in partnership with Northside Community Services, funded by TCCS ACT Government.

    Coming Soon

  • Engaging youth to respond to themes of mental wellbeing beyond gender stereotypes with Australian Olympians for International Women’s Day

    Co-created Youth Street Art project workshopping with 8 students from Erindale College workshopping the theme “Choose to Challenge” with keynote talk from female Olympian Caroline Buchanan on how to overcome negative thinking and gender stereotypes. The workshop included a module on “Expressive Type”, and how to use art to empower ourselves.

    View Project
  • Co-designing, and co-creating for a mentorship in visual communication design

    Co-designing, and co-creating for a youth mentorship in visual communication design

    In this project, I co-designed and co-created a mural art project with 7 students at Gunners Place youth centre. Together, we workshopped the mural design, ensuring it aligned with the centre's themes. The mural was painted over 3 days in May 2021 with 6 female students from nearby schools, creating a collaborative artwork that reflects their voices.

    Coming Soon

Looking for a creative
community-engagement project?

Think outside of the box, and get in touch today