Honoring and recognizing Mural Arts Philadelphia for four decades of transforming communities through public art and social engagement.
WHEREAS, Mural Arts Philadelphia (MAP) was first established in 1984 as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network and later incorporated as a nonprofit in 1997, evolving into the largest public art initiative of its kind with over 4,000 murals citywide; and
WHEREAS, Mural Arts Philadelphia is a hybrid public-private arts organization, working in close partnership with the City of Philadelphia to foster artistic expression, community engagement, and social justice through the transformative power of participatory public art; and
WHEREAS, The organization produces between 50 and 100 public art projects annually, with a focus on responding to community needs, as well as civic and neighborhood plans, through deeply rooted partnerships with key stakeholders to amplify the identities and experiences of diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, Mural Arts' programs engage over 25,000 people annually through projects in Art Education, Restorative Justice, and the Porch Light initiative, while reaching 125,000 more through digital platforms and docent-led tours of the City’s rich mural collection; and
WHEREAS, The Art Education program has provided over 2,200 youth with enriching arts education at over 20 locations in collaboration with the Philadelphia School District, the Department of Human Services, and other youth-serving agencies; and
WHEREAS, The Restorative Justice program, launched in 2007, has empowered justice-impacted individuals by providing job skills, emotional support, and creative outlets, with 80% of participants finding employment or enrolling in educational programs within one year of completing The Guild program; and
WHEREAS, The Porch Light program, in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, has uplifted the resilience of communities and individuals facing mental health challenges through public art, and created the nation’s first same day pay program, Color Me Back, providing income and social services to participants experiencing housing insecurity; and
WHEREAS, Mural Arts Philadelphia has garnered national recognition for its innovative approaches to public art and social justice, including its Reimagining Reentry Fellowship and the nation’s first artist-in-residency program at a district attorney’s office, amplifying the voices of those impacted by the criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, Mural Arts continues to lead the way in using art as a vehicle for personal and community transformation, bringing visibility to social issues, improving public spaces, and fostering a more equitable and connected Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby extends our deepest appreciation to Mural Arts Philadelphia for its four decades of exceptional contributions to the community and its unwavering commitment to social justice, community revitalization, and artistic excellence. We commend Mural Arts Philadelphia for its lasting impact on the lives of Philadelphians and its role in shaping a more vibrant and inclusive City.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Mural Arts Philadelphia as an expression of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.