Sounds good, @_Ed.
I can create a topic for submissions and mod it to ensure it doesn’t become “submissions + chatter + unhelpful political stirring.”
Do you think we should restrict to mockups of Forest Hill / SE23 designs, or would it be okay to allow photos of examples from other areas e.g. the Leyton design? My concern is in allowing “oh look at this cool design” submissions, we wouldn’t be able to cost them or do a like-for-like comparison.
I’m happy to put effort into the process, as far as I can, including promoting it on social media and with posters etc.
SE23.life is well placed to host discussion and a vote, because it is on the open web and is the most popular local online forum.
Regarding the funding application, SE23.life cannot apply for ward funding because my company is private ltd.
Ah okay. While this is all fun right now is there danger of putting the cart before the horse? As I understand it there is still no sponsor or lead for this project that wouldl be able to make a submission. And once there is a lead I would think they’d want to determine the process such as open submission or perhaps commission from a local Forest Hill artist? And then choose how to engage with the public?
I guess if it is very clear upfront that this poll is only advisory and any outcome is pending a sponsoring group coming forward?
Actually I didn’t interpret that question as support for the vintage railway sign but for a large graphic mural based on the name. The Ladywell sign as another example in that category.
I loved the railway style sign when Herne Hill got it all those years ago. But while fun, by the time it got to Brockley it was beginning to feel a bit dated and done. With the artistic energy in Forest Hill centred in Havelock Walk it’d be great to have something new. And yes, I understand everyone’s new is going to be a vast chasm of taste.
Just a thought. While the site itself is private, could there not be a SE23.life users group which could make submissions? Before you suggest it, I’m out as I’ve put myself forward to help with the Assembly this year.
Although I like the idea of a distinctive South East London style (i.e. the vintage rail design), I also love local Havelock artist Rob Lowe’s (AKA Supermundane) modern designs (including the current Havelock mural). Also the bright and bold designs of Survival Techniques.
Possibly - although there is quite a lot of bureaucracy in setting up a non-profit for this purpose. I did look into this last year after @Pauline sent me some info on the requirements for applying for ward funding. I came to the conclusion it would be easier and quicker for SE23.life to raise £2500 for the mural via a public crowdfunder than it would be for SE23.life to set up a non-profit arm and apply for £2500 from the council.
But if anyone else wants to do the legwork, they are welcome to leverage the SE23.life “brand” and I will help in all promotional activities.
IMO the Forest Hill Society would be best placed to lead and raise the funding as they have the expertise and the established non-profit entity. They may, of course, have other projects in mind for 2017 funding though.
Last year I created an opt-in category (join the FH Mural group for access). To discuss the nuts and bolts of the mural project, that’s probably the best place. But obvs, anything more general (and the vote on designs) should be out here in the main forum.
I’m not trolling, but thinking about it I’m not even convinced under the railway bridge on the south circular is a good location for a mural. Seems to me like:
I’d prefer something in the pedestrian underpass (perhaps co-ordinated with one under the bridge) or even better something at the crossroads. It’s a long thread, so my apologies if this has been said before.
Perhaps we need the Forest Hill society to apply for some funding AND for SE23.life (or a charity that can claim gift aid) to do some crowdfunded match funding. This will make the ward assembly money go further and split the cost… £1500 each? £3k total?
I agree with those against the railway sign style by the same artist - it would show a complete lack of imagination and creativity. If part of the purpose is to alert visitors that they have entered a distinctive neighbourhood with its own identity and local offerings, then surely choosing the same “off the shelf design” as 3 or 4 other neighbouring areas would demonstrate the opposite.
I am sure there are loads of other locally known artists capable of designing and implementing such a mural who would interested in submitting a proposal if contacted.
I could apply for assembly funding on behalf of the community as a local trader if all else fails - happy to submit an application if a few others oversee the application with me & I would want to make it public so all could see what funding was granted & how it was spent. And for the whole total to be spent on this project to keep my own accounts okay.
Happy to go ahead & get on with this if a few others will oversee 
Can we redo this poll @anon5422159
Plus ask what organisations peeps think should apply for this funding:
I think we need some design options before running the poll to choose one?
I think all need to run at the same time, is this possible?
For instance if the mural is more FH Traders related, they should take the lead.
If the design is more FH local related, we should set up a group to decide.
If it’s what FH Society do best & go with the community, they should take the lead.
Last but not least, if we want to work on branding FH as a whole I think we need to dig deeper & all creatives need to come together to work on this.
Just my thoughts!
I don’t want to speak on behalf of FHS but I don’t think the issue will be not wanting to apply for the funding. The issue is having someone with the time, energy, resources to arrange the artist and mural and approvals with the Council/Network rail… volunteers who can help deliver stuff like this are always needed.
Ps I agree about the forest hill specific design of the mural proposal. I think we need to get the funding and then choose a design
Have got permission from network rail already & Council seems to agree, so that’s covered
I agree that the underpass is not the best location. Most people seeing it will be on the South Circular and in FH for only a minute or two. Wouldn’t it be better for it to be seen from the station and/or from London Road?
I think the rail bridge /south circular is a great location! Even though people will only see it for a few seconds they will have a much more positive view of the place from a mural in that location. Doesn’t mean there can’t be others too…!
I love the Leyton idea. I must admit that some of the murals look a bit tired after a while.
To be honest since those underpasses a pretty much painted the same everywhere it would be a bit lame having just another one in se23, not saying at all I don’t like the underpass to get spruced up but maybe with a more fresh and original design
