UTAR Faculty of Art and Social Science (FAS), Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) and IT Infrastructure and Support Centre (ITISC) organised a CSR project— Mural Painting Programme on 26 and 27 August 2023 at Anglo Chinese School Methodist (ACS), Kampar, Perak.

Themed ‘Year of Visiting Perak and the Environment’, the mural project has been chosen to coincide with the Year of Visiting Perak in 2024. This CSR project is one of the efforts of the UTAR staff to provide free services to the local community in Kampar and other places.

A total of 13 UTAR staff participated in the mural painting programme. Kampar ACS Mural Project Head Abdullah Ehlid Al Walid Luli @ Ehlid Luli said this mural project not only focuses on beautifying the scenery, but it also displays the sincere effort of the UTAR staff in bringing the community closer, especially PPD Kinta Selatan, which helped a lot in terms of building cooperation with ACS Methodist Kampar, UTAR, Kampar District Council, and Hume Cement Sdn Bhd. He hopes this programme can be continued in other places as well.

The mural campaign has a significant positive impact on communities in various ways, namely beautification and visual appeal as murals bring colour, creativity, and visual interest to public spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetics of a community. They can transform dull and unattractive areas into vibrant and engaging places, promoting a sense of pride and ownership among community members. Secondly, it preserves cultures and historical sites. Murals depict cultural heritage, historical events, or local icons, helping to preserve and celebrate a community’s unique identity. They serve as visual reminders of a community’s shared history, traditions, and values, fostering a sense of collective memory and promoting cultural diversity. Thirdly, it encourages community engagement and collaboration as creating the murals often involves a collaborative effort between artists, residents, local organisations, and businesses. This process fosters a sense of community cohesion, bringing people together to work towards a common goal. Community members may contribute ideas feedback, and even participate in the painting process, thus promoting social interaction and a sense of belonging.

In addition, the mural also aimed to provide safety improvement and reduce crime as the murals can positively impact the safety and security of neighbourhoods. By transforming neglected or graffiti-prone walls into vibrant and visually appealing spaces, murals can discourage vandalism and illicit activities. The presence of beautiful artwork can also create a sense of surveillance and pride, encouraging residents to take ownership of their surroundings and discouraging crime. Fifthly, it advocates educational awareness as it conveys messages and raises awareness about critical social issues, such as environmental challenges, equality, or mental health. They can spark conversations, inspire empathy, and prompt community members to take action on various social and cultural concerns, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. Lastly, it promotes tourism and economic development. Murals have the potential to attract tourists and visitors, boosting local economies. People are often drawn to communities with vibrant and artistic visuals, which can increase foot traffic and economic activity, benefiting local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. This influx of visitors can help create jobs, support local artisans, and promote cultural tourism.

In summary, the mural project will positively impact communities by enhancing visual appeal, preserving culture and history, fostering community engagement, improving safety, educating and raising awareness, and stimulating economic growth. Their presence contributes to a community’s overall well-being and vitality, creating a sense of pride and unity among its residents.