How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: 3 Inspiring Examples
Creating collaborative artworks is a beautiful way to bring people together, fostering creativity and connection through the shared experience of making something meaningful. Whether you’re working with friends, family, or community groups, the process is about embracing inclusivity, spontaneity, and the joy of co-creation.
In this post, I’ll share three examples of my collaborative artworks, each with its unique story and outcome. Let’s dive into how these projects came to life, focusing on the “Carer Support Collaborative Canvas,” a particularly memorable experience.
1. How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: Carer Support Collaborative Acrylics on Canvas
In 2017, I had the pleasure of working with the Glandore Carer Support Centre’s “Parents Time Out” group, led by Tina. The goal was to create a collaborative circle painting canvas that would allow carers, many of whom hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since school, to reconnect with their creative side. This is the first collaborative canvas I did with adults, and it was so thrilling to me that here I am still doing it.
The Process: We started with a blank canvas, inviting each participant to paint a circle. The initial circles were just the beginning – from there, everyone was encouraged to explore their creativity by adding more circles, spirals, radial bursts, and dots. The idea was to let the artwork evolve organically, with each painter contributing in their own way, overlapping and enhancing others’ designs. At first people are hesitant about overlapping the work of each other, but I keep urging them to do so as it frees them and makes the artwork so much more dynamic and interesting.
The Result: In just two hours, eight painters collaborated to create a vibrant, eye-catching canvas full of colour and movement. The process was playful and relaxed, allowing the carers to express themselves freely while also connecting with each other through the shared creative journey. The final artwork was displayed in an exhibition at Skylight, another carer organisation.
Why It Worked: This project was a success because it removed the pressure of creating a ‘perfect’ piece of art. Instead, it focused on the enjoyment of the process and the collective experience. The collaborative nature allowed everyone to feel a sense of ownership and pride in the final piece. The painters were very proud that their work was in the Skylight Exhibition promoting mental health awareness.
2. How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: Painted Paper Mixed Media Collage
In 2019, I had the opportunity to work with the Marion Primary Mums Coffee Group, where we embarked on a creative journey to create a collaborative collage using painted papers. The aim was simple: to have fun and explore creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment.
The Process: We began by using three large A2 sheets of cartridge paper, covering the entire surface with cool colours using various sponges. This stage was all about experimentation, and the mums enjoyed exploring the different textures and effects they could create.
As the painted papers dried, we moved on to collage work. Each participant selected plain, painted, and printed papers, cutting them into circles. While I suggested a basic strategy to get them started, creativity quickly took over, and the group began to push the boundaries of what they could do with the collage elements, such as snowflakes and other random shapes inspired by the papers themselves.
Once the collage layers were in place, we added visual depth and interest with warm colours, including using art stencils with sponging. The final stage involved adding decorations, outlines, doodles, and patterns with paint pens. The mums had fun swapping pieces and adding their personal touches, creating a truly collaborative artwork.
The Result: The final pieces were vibrant, layered, and full of personality. Each mum contributed to the project, resulting in a series of framed artworks that decorated the meeting area. Everyone took home a piece of the project, creating a lasting memory of the experience.
Why It Worked: This project succeeded because it combined structured guidance with plenty of room for creative freedom. The use of different techniques and materials kept the process engaging, and the collaborative nature of the project fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the participants.
3. How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: Group Painted Canvas by Children
In 2023, I collaborated with a group of 30 children and staff from Forbes Primary School’s Vacation Care program to create a social art project titled “Growing Together.” This project was all about embracing the energy and creativity of a multi-age group, allowing everyone to contribute in their unique way.
The Process: We began with a stage called Messy Playing, where the children used greens, aqua, and white to create spontaneous circles, dots, ovals, and spirals on a large canvas. This playful start helped the kids relax and get comfortable with the process.
Next, we moved into the Exploring phase, using small brushes to add patterns and details to the existing shapes. The children worked together to build on each other’s ideas, adding layers of patterns that brought the artwork to life.
Finally, we reached the Bling! stage, where the kids used paint pens, gems, stickers, and glitter to add a decorative sparkle to the piece. This stage was all about fun and collaboration, with everyone contributing to the final touches.
The Result: The finished artwork, aptly named “Growing Together,” reflects the natural theme chosen with the concept of the children growing up together during their time in the OSHC program. The 1m x 1m piece now hangs in their rooms as a reminder of the fun and collaborative spirit of the project.
Why It Worked: This project succeeded because it engaged children of different ages and abilities, allowing them to express themselves while contributing to a shared goal. The structured stages provided guidance, while the open-ended nature of the activities encouraged creativity, teamwork and pride.
Tips for How to Make A Collaborative Artwork
- Set a Starting Point: Starting with ‘Paint circles’ gives the group a simple, accessible starting point. I suggest people paint three circles in each colour, some big, some small, as medium happens on it’s own due to their personal expression. Start SIMPLE!
- Encourage Playfulness: The key to a successful collaborative artwork is letting go of perfection and embracing the joy of creation. Encourage participants to experiment with shapes and colours:
- Celebrate the Process: Remember, the value of a collaborative artwork is as much in the process as it is in the final piece. Take time to appreciate each person’s contribution and the unique story your artwork tells.
- Join my email list to receive “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home” my free 7 page step by step guide to creating artworks just like these.
Collaborative art projects are more than just a fun activity; they are a way to build connections, celebrate diversity of abilities, and create something beautiful together. If you’re inspired to start your own collaborative artwork, remember that the journey is as important as the destination – so gather your group, grab your brushes, and let your creativity flow!
Let’s Chat:
Collaborative art is thrilling – it’s so much fun creating with others. Which inspires you from the examples above?