Before I die I want to
Before I Die is an interactive public art project that invites people to share their hopes and dreams in public space.
Be a part of the Before I Die book, published by St Martin's Press in 2013!
Have you made a wall? Send us your photos here. Have you written on a wall? Tell us your story.
Visit a Wall
Wolverhampton University, England
Upcoming: June, 2012
Stats From Across The World
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Help support the Before I Die project.
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Before I Die Toolkit
Limited Edition Painting
Coming soon
Stamp Set
Coming soon
Letterpress Notecards
Questions & Resources
Do you have a guide to making a Before I Die wall?
Yes, it's available for free here. It's a handy PDF containing everything you need to know, from permission to paint! You can also visit our FAQ for more information on building your own wall.
Can I build a Before I Die wall?
Yes, anybody can. We have the information and tools you'll need available here on this site.
How do I get started?
Start by downloading a free online guide or by ordering a Before I Die Toolkit. Everything you need to know is detailed in our free guide, but the Toolkit will also provide you with big, sturdy stencils and a handsome printed manual. Ordering a Toolkit can make creating your wall much easier, and it's a great way to support the project.
How do I choose a location for my wall?
Choose a place that lots of people walk by. Almost any kind of smooth wall will work. Walls have been created in public plazas, on college campuses, on the side of local businesses, and on bustling city street corners.
Do I need permission to make a wall?
If you'd like to paint a wall that is not yours, make sure to ask the owner's permission. Oftentimes, it is helpful to approach property owners as partners in the project. Community organizations like schools, neighborhood associations, churches and non-profits may be interested in co-sponsoring your project.
How do get permission from the owner of a wall?
Most often, it’s as easy as asking. To help, we’ve created a “Letter of Support” from Before I Die’s creator, Candy Chang. The letter explains the project in a clear and concise manner, and should address any concerns people have.
Is this going to promote vandalism and graffiti?
No! Actually, Before I Die walls have proven to have the exact opposite effect. Neglected spaces that host a Before I Die wall become much more active, and the gathering of community members fosters a sense of safety.
What if I want to create a re-mix of Before I Die? Is that ok?
By all means, you should create what inspires you. We've seen people create walls asking people all kinds of questions, from what they want to do before they graduate, to how they plan to reduce their carbon footprint. We simply request that you credit Candy Chang as a source, and that you share any photographs you can.
