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 ...
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