Mural Arts is a dynamic organization that uses murals as a way to combat graffiti and transform neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Since 1984 they have served over 1500 at-risk youth and have created over 3000 works of art. Participants often paint murals with a narrative related to their own lives, such as this recent event where families of the imprisoned created a mural.
Currently, Mural Arts provides an eclectic variety of programs and tours to the Philadelphia community, including a tour narrated by “?uestlove” – the hip-hop Grammy-award winner from The Roots. In the future, Mural Arts will be working with Favela: mural artists Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn who notably revamped shanty towns in Rio de Janeiro. Details of this project are still yet to be released.
For more information on Mural Arts, see the following links:
Design in Action 2011 Conference Session
Mural Arts at the Gallery (Mobile Workshop)
A mobile workshop highlighting the remarkable work of the Philadelphia Mural Arts – the largest public art program in the U.S. Begin at the Gallery at Market East and see how Mural Arts is opening up its operations to the full view of passersby, sparking greater public interest and new income opportunities, too. Next, travel to see three distinct murals and meet the clients and artists that inspired each creation. If you’re looking to gain inspiration or more know-how on ways arts and culture projects can revitalize communities and spaces, this is a must.
Monday, October 10, 2011 at 3:50pm-5:30pm
No Fee
Limited to 40 participants
Design in Action 2011 Tours of Philadelphia
Mural Arts Love Letter
Mobile tour via public transit investigates the collaborative enterprise of Philadelphia Mural Arts and artist Stephen Powers (aka ESPO) to create Love Letter, a public art project consisting of a series of 50 rooftop murals from 45th to 63rd streets along the Market Street corridor in West Philly.
Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 1:00pm-3:00pm
Fee: $15/person
Limited to 45 participants
Mural Mile
A highlights walking tour focusing on some of Center City's most iconic murals. Route departs from the Radisson hotel and winds along some of Philadelphia's vibrant commercial districts and quaint residential streets. Hear insider details on the stories behind the murals.
Monday, October 10, 2011 at 12:00pm-1:15pm
Fee: $10/person
Limited to 45 participants