Mural Panel Profiles: Richard Martin of Whitechapel Gallery

Richard Martin is Director of Participation at Whitechapel Gallery, where he oversees a creative learning programme for all ages featuring artistic commissions, residencies, festivals, lates, exhibition projects, talks, performances, workshops and screenings.

We were really chuffed that he was able to join our Mural Panel; his expertise and insight were invaluable. Here, he explains a bit more about his background and how he found the mural selection process.

Can you tell us a bit about your personal background and connection to the community?

I’ve worked at Whitechapel Gallery for nearly four years and I’ve lived in Stepney Green for the last decade. I love East London – the history is endlessly interesting and the people are brilliant. And, of course, it’s been an inspiring place for artists and writers for centuries.

What inspired you to get involved in the selection panel for the mural project?

My work at the Gallery involves a strong focus on East London artists, communities and creative partners. I’ve worked on other public art projects around Tower Hamlets, including Shiraz Bayjoo’s amazing mural in Globe Town, and have always found them incredibly interesting. Public art generates discussions about what a place means, how it might be represented and how its local communities might shape their own public imagery. I was especially interested in how the Sidney Street project has been led by local residents and with such an in-depth and collaborative process.

How did you feel about the range of designs and concepts submitted by the artists?

The shortlist was strong, varied and completely fascinating. Seeing how different artists had approached the history of the area – which buildings, communities and events they had focused on – was so interesting. It was also great to have many artists emphasise their commitment to a collaborative process rather than offering a fixed, final design.

What were you looking for in the final design and the artist?

I was interested in how artists might move beyond the most immediate or familiar local landmarks. I’m generally a fan of public artworks which offer more subtle and nuanced imagery, layering histories and highlighting untold stories from a range of local perspectives. Ultimately, I was most keen to hear the thoughts of those people on the panel who live closest to the site.

What do you think local people will like about the chosen design?

I think Frank Creber’s design speaks to a rich and wonderful history of public art in East London, but gives a very strong sense of the movement and lives of people living here today. I think people will appreciate the sense of storytelling in the work, which grows each time you see it, and I hope they’ll feel a connection with the characters and places it depicts.

What was the most memorable part of the selection process for you?

I really enjoyed the discussions with the rest of the selection panel – everyone was very open, engaged and insightful. But the best part is always hearing artists presenting their work and discovering more about their practices.

What do you hope the mural will achieve for the community once it’s completed?

I hope it becomes a source of pride and discussion, a landmark that allows everyone to reflect on their own feelings about Sidney Street and the surrounding area. I hope local people point it out to visitors, use it as a meeting point, take selfies with it, and remember it fondly if they move away.