Mural Arts Philadelphia’s 25th Annual Mural Arts Month Celebrates “The Power of Commitment”

September 19, 2023 (Philadelphia) - Mural Arts Philadelphia (“Mural Arts”), alongside presenting sponsor TD Bank, today announced its 25^th Annual Mural Arts Month celebration this October unveiling its 2023 theme: The Power of Commitment. This theme resonates with Mural Arts' unswerving devotion to providing transformative experiences and fostering progressive discourse in the City of Philadelphia. Through participatory public art that beautifies, advocacy that inspires, and educational programming and employment opportunities that empower, Mural Arts enhances the vibrancy and inclusivity of the city. The commitment of artists, reflected in their creations, has not only uplifted and transformed communities but has also solidified Philadelphia's esteemed reputation as the “Mural Capital of the World.” The theme is a testament to Mural Arts' enduring role as a catalyst for economic stimulus, inspiring community change, and empowering individuals throughout Philadelphia.

Following the dedication of a Mural Arts Month mini-mural by artist Donna Grace Kroh at LOVE Park, Mural Arts – the nation’s largest public art program – previewed its month-long celebration with happenings for all ages and interests. While LOVE Park will serve as a key Mural Arts Month location to celebrate the Power of Commitment, key highlights for the 25^th Annual Mural Arts Month will include:

• Mural Arts Fest, a block party at LOVE Park to the theme, For the Love of Hip-Hop, including 6 mini-mural installations called, Painting the Party!
• A two-day national public art Symposium presented by Mural Arts Institute titled Created, Together.

• Philly Artist Talks with new muralists and up-and-coming artists in Partnership with StreetsDept.com and the Paradigm Arts Building.
• Special walking and trolley tours.

• New mural themed wine with Mural City Cellars.

• Partnership with the American Red Cross working to uplift Philadelphia communities.
• Dedications and activities featuring Philadelphia’s newest murals and public art projects, including the new design unveil of Art Education’s Murals on the Move van, Climate Justice Initiative Mural and more.
• Mural Arts Month Closing Reception at Fringe Bar.

“I think about the power of art all of the time and how the commitment of artists and their works are truly a binding force that can transform societies,” said Jane Golden, executive director, Mural Arts Philadelphia. “We hope our community and visitors will join us this October to witness first-hand the profound results such commitment generates. We see this power of commitment in the brush strokes of our Teaching Artists working in schools to foster our future generation, the pride of community members creating a public masterpiece, and neighborhoods transforming into canvases of hope, identity, and resilience.”

"We are excited for the dynamic new work championed by Mural Arts Philadelphia and look forward to seeing what's in store for Mural Arts Month in 2023. Philadelphia is home to outstanding talent, and we are thrilled to support the effort to uplift and connect our communities through art," remarked Karyn DiMattia, TD Bank's SVP, Head of US Brand, Creative and Sponsorships.

Inspired by the 2023 theme, artist Donna Grace Kroh designed the mini-mural titled The Power of Commitment now on display at LOVE Park located at 16^th Street and JFK Boulevard. Kroh was introduced to Mural Arts by volunteering for a paint day at The Oval several seasons ago. While studying under many talented artists, her creativity and talents were quickly noticed as she collaborated with YEAH Philly, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, and local restaurants to create street art through muralism. Recently, Kroh exhibited in the Museum of Broken Windows in Manhattan, New York. Kroh’s mural will be on display for the duration of Mural Arts Month at LOVE Park alongside six (6) additional mini-murals to be live-painted at Mural Arts Fest in an installation called Painting the Party on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Curated by Darnell Schoolfield and Conrad Benner, the project will celebrate Philadelphia-based creatives, with the murals on display through October 31, 2023.

People of all ages and interests are encouraged to participate in exploratory art events meant to inspire throughout October 2023 and are encouraged to visit muralarts.org/muralartsmonth for updates.

Sponsors for Mural Arts Month include presenting sponsor TD Bank, Penn Medicine, The Fresh Grocer, owned and operated by Pat Burns and the Burns Family, Parkway Corporation, ShopRite of Whitman Plaza, owned and operated by the Colligas Family, and Margelle and Shelly Liss.

***KEY SPOTLIGHTS OF 2023 MURAL ARTS MONTH EVENTS, HAPPENINGS AND PARTNERSHIPS ***

Mural Arts Month Celebrations at LOVE Park

16^th Street & JFK Boulevard Philadelphia

• The Power of Commitment Mini-Mural Installation Tuesday, September 19, 2023 - Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Unveiled at the Mural Arts Month Announcement on September 19, 2023, The Power of Commitment mini-mural by Donna Grace Kroh will be on display in LOVE Park through October 31, 2023.

• Mural Arts Fest: For the Love of Hip-Hop

Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12 – 6 pm

**Rain date: Sunday, October 1, 2023

Mural Arts will kick-start the month ahead with a Mural Arts Fest to the theme For the Love of Hip-Hop at LOVE Park on September 30th from 12 pm - 6 pm. Visitors and residents alike witness the profound results such commitment generates, invoking the same feelings of pride, community, and hope that Mural Arts has fostered in communities across Philadelphia for the last 39 years. Hosted by WURD’S REVIVE P.O.C., the block-party style event aims to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Hip Hop. This festival, curated by Mural Arts Event Manager Medina Oyefusi, will feature performances by some of Philadelphia’s rising talent, such as Joie Kathos, Corey Lee, Mir Fontaine, Seraiah Nicole, TreWay, and the Now Generation, and more. Live DJ sets will also include DJ Nash, THURSDAYNIGHTGROOVE, DJ Bria G, BlackSoulSummer’s Brotha Taaj, Philadelphia Eagles official DJ, MTV Raps Host DJ Diamond Kuts, and many others.

Curated by Darnell Schoolfield and Conrad Benner, Painting The Party: A Live-painting Project will be center stage showcasing live mural making in celebration of Philadelphia-based creatives and encouraging their freedom of expression through open-ended themes. Guests will see works of art come to life in real time, culminating in the creation of six stunning 4' x 8' mini-murals that will be on display through October 31, 2023 at LOVE Park. Artists onsite will include:

• Tykira Mitchell, a portrait painter based in Philadelphia who predominantly uses acrylic and oil paints to create her works of art.
• Tai Corrienté Baucom, a colorful figurative illustrator, designer, and muralist with influence from her roots and generations of family stories.
• Keshida Layone, a self-taught visual artist born and raised in New York currently living and creating mixed media artwork in Philadelphia.
• Corinne Dodenhoff, a graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative type in Philadelphia.
• Nasir Young, an artist whose primary source of imagery is the everyday scenes of urban inner city life.
• Rushawn Videl-Gevonte Stanley or “Scum Lizard,” an American illustrator, muralist, and founder of the Philadelphia Chalk Festival.

To elevate the fun, food trucks, face painting, a photo booth activation, and Federal Donuts will be onsite, alongside a vendor marketplace for local small businesses and creatives. The space will offer a place to display their work and sell the merchandise. A “podcast stage” hosted by Zindzine’s Zindzi Harley, will further shine a light on local curators and artists in the Philadelphia area with two curated panels taking place during the festival. Additional partners also onsite will include:

• American Red Cross demonstrating its commitment daily within Southeastern Pennsylvania and its unwavering dedication of their volunteers, whose sole mission is to alleviate human suffering. Participants of Mural Arts Month will be able to learn more about the Red Cross’ special campaigns, one of which is the Sickle Cell Initiative.

Partners include American Red Cross, Zindzine, Stumble Media Group, LLC, Federal Donuts, Parks & Recreation, and City of Philadelphia.

Mural Arts Tours

Mural Arts will offer special walking and trolley tours throughout October. Guests will learn about the city's stunning collection that makes Philadelphia the “Mural Capital of the World.” Advanced tickets are required - no walk-ups accepted

• Special Center City Mural Mile

Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11 am – 12:30 pm

Starting at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, ending at Mural Arts Fest

Get to know Mural Arts Philadelphia’s world-renowned collection on foot along the Mural Mile. Explore culturally rich and bold Center City, getting up close and personal with murals that tell the intimate and inspiring stories of our city, its leaders, citizens, and amazing public art. The Mural Mile highlights art tucked in out-of-the-way corners to soaring additions to the cityscape, like the breathtaking Untitled by Amy Sherald and Water Gives Life by Philadelphia artists Euhri Jones and David McShane. And, as a special twist as we kick off October's Mural Arts Month, this tour will end at Love Park so that guests can participate in a fun art festival.

• Mural Talk & Tour | Artist Talk with Meg Saligman & Center City East Tour

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 2 – 4 pm

Tour Beginning at Sugar Refinery Apartments (225 Church St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) and ends at Philadelphia Muses mural (13th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA)

In celebration of Mural Arts month guests will enjoy this special opportunity to meet artist Meg Saligman, creator of some of Philadelphia's most iconic murals including: Common Threads and Philadelphia Muses. Come prepared for fun, creativity, and surprise in this unique behind the scenes look at Sugar Mom's Hideaway, Meg's working Studio. A Mural Arts tour will follow this visit, led by a professionally trained tour guide and guests will see and learn about some stunning murals and the tour willconclude at Philadelphia Muses. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a spectacular artist – visit muralarts.org/tours to book your tickets.

Cost: $45 per person – advanced reservations are required – space is limited.

• Trolley Tour

Sunday, October 15, 2023, 10 am – 11:30 am

Trolley pick-up at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad Street

Guests will explore the show-stopping murals East of Broad Street with this Masterpieces trolley tour for an in depth look at Philadelphia bold and brilliant public art. This route features inspiring works like Jackie Robinson, by artist David McShane, and other inspiring works along the Broad Street corridor.

• The Outside In Art Tour

Saturday, October 28, 2023, 2 – 3:30 pm

Tour begins at the Philadelphia Fashion District, 9th & Market Streets Entrance

Mural Arts Philadelphia in partnership with the Philadelphia Fashion District will be launching The Outside In Art Tour, which features a variety of stunning murals around the area followed by an inside visit showcasing bold permanent artwork. Guests will be wowed by an eclectic mix of murals, mosaics, sculpture and more!

These special tours are in addition to rotating neighborhood tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm both days. Visit muralarts.org/tours for a complete schedule of tours or to book your unforgettable experience. Advanced tickets are required for all tours.

Don’t forget to give the gift of art with limited-edition Mural Arts merchandise is available - visit muralarts.org/shop to purchase bags, hats, tour gift certificates and more!

Artist Talks

Mural Arts enthusiasts will hear from the artists behind its latest murals with artists talks throughout the city.

• New Muralists: A Philly Artist Talk Series at Paradigm Arts Building Curated by Conrad Benner, founder of StreetsDept.com & project manager of Mural Arts

Wednesday evenings | October 4, 11, and 18, 2023 Paradigm Arts Building

12 N. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Painting The Party–Artist Panel Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 5 pm - 8pm

Conrad Benner and Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Social Media & Marketing Manager

Darnell Schoolfield will host an in-depth discussion with the artists who created six (6) mini murals now on display at Love Park during Painting The Party, including:

• Tykira Mitchell, a portrait painter based in Philadelphia who predominantly uses acrylic and oil paints to create her works of art.
• Tai Corrienté Baucom, a colorful figurative illustrator, designer, and muralist with influence from her roots and generations of family stories.
• Keshida Layone, a self-taught visual artist born and raised in New York currently living and creating mixed media artwork in Philadelphia.
• Corinne Dodenhoff,a graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative type in Philadelphia.
• Nasir Young, an artist whose primary source of imagery is the everyday scenes of urban inner city life.
• Rushawn Videl-Gevonte Stanley or “Scum Lizard,” an American illustrator, muralist, and founder of the Philadelphia Chalk Festival.

Front Street Walls 2023–Artist Panel Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 5 pm - 8pm

Conrad Benner and artist Symone Salib will guide a conversation with the artists of Front Street Walls 2023 including: Iris Barbee Pendergrass, EL TORO, Emily White, and UNAPXLXGETIQ. Since 2016, Front Street Walls in Fishtown has been an arts and culture staple for the city of Philadelphia. This refresh aims to continue creating more opportunities for up-and-coming artists to paint in our public space and ensure this art represents the people of Philadelphia.

• UNAPXLXGETIQ, or Artist & Designer Emmanuel Wisdom known as a conscious creator, creating to heal, nurture and cultivate a prosperous afro-human mentality.
• Emily White, a painter, muralist, and sculptor whose work focuses on the relationship between the animal and its changing environment.
• EL TORO, or Justin is an artist born in the Philippines, but residing in Philadelphia. He is known for creating "EL TORO", an anthropomorphic character inspired by the carabao (a water buffalo native to the Philippines).
• Iris Barbee Pendergrass, a Philadelphia native who uses her passion for art and design to illustrate her feminine side, creating the inspirational brand These Pink Lips t0 inspire women to be sexy, strong, beautiful, and comfortable with their femininity and power.

Wawa: Welcome America 2023–Artist Panel Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 5 pm - 8pm

Conrad Benner and Symone Salib will chat with three artists behind the murals created in celebration of the 2023 Wawa Welcome America. Artists include:

• Devyn Dais, a 22-year-old abstract painter, currently attending Tyler School of Art full-time. She works in oil, acrylic, and other mixed media.
• Yuliya Semenova, a Ukrainian painter, printmaker, and muralist who has made the United States home for the last 6 years. Yuliya explores how culture, history, and identity are constructed and how they intersect.
• Ayiana Viviana, an abstract artist who explores the nature of emotion through art, and how creating can bring to the surface things hidden deep within.

About the Artist Talk Series Hosts:

Conrad Benner is the founder of StreetsDept.com and a Project Manager with Mural Arts Philadelphia. Named one of the 76 most influential people in Philly by Philadelphia Magazine in 2020, Conrad is a Fishtown, Philadelphia born-and-raised photo-blogger, curator, and podcaster. For the last 12 years his work has explored art, our public space, and the creative minds shaping the world around us. Conrad has also used his platforms to advocate for better public transit with #SEPTA247; increased funding for Philly's unhoused youth with #AmICutOut; and various voter drives including #ToThePolls and #MailboxVoters, among other efforts. "I focus on the public space because that's what connects us. I believe that our shared spaces are powerful tools for building and supporting a more equitable city."

Darnell Schoolfield is a creative go-to in the arts, culture, and non-profit sectors. He is the Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation's largest public art program. With a background in creative writing, design, videography, and music journalism, he brings a unique skill set to managing the organization's social media presence through content creation and strategic marketing efforts. In 2018, Darnell became the first Digital Content Creator for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, helping oversee digital strategy and content creation for parks such as Spruce Street Harbor Park, Penn's Landing, Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, and Blue Cross RiverRink. In 2021, he co-founded Art From the Heart Gallery, Philadelphia's first-ever NFT Art Gallery, sparking an innovative change in the crypto art scene, focused on providing access to ownership in digital assets. To date, Schoolfield delivers creative direction to multidisciplinary artists, creates independent and organizationally backed digital programming, facilitates panel discussions, and curates galleries and exhibitions throughout the tri-state area, helping give voice to historically underrepresented artists.

Symone Salib (she/her) is a first generation Cuban/Egyptian street artist, muralist, and trauma informed educator based out of Philadelphia. Through paint and illustration she works to highlight the lives of people, with an emphasis on BIPOC across her city since 2017. She focuses on vibrantly sharing the stories of people in hopes we can connect and resonate with humans who are different from ourselves. She strives to spread joy and create a space where people are not only seen but heard and valued.

About the New Artist Talk Series Location: Paradigm Arts Building

The Paradigm Arts Building is a commercial art space for the greater Philadelphia community. In the heart of Old City, the building offers visitors the opportunity to experience, collect, and make art, all under one roof. Established by Paradigm Gallery

+ Studio co-founders Jason Chen and Sara McCorriston, the Paradigm Arts Building expands upon the gallery’s founding mission of increasing access to the commercial art world, supporting artists and advancing their careers, and collaborating with like-minded partners to build a more equitable, sustainable arts economy for all.

• Hopefully Graffiti Artist Talk Saturday, October 14, 2023, 6 – 8 pm RADIOKISMET

130 S 34th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

Introducing a new mural project called, The History of Graffiti, Mural Arts will host a discussion focused on graffiti art. The project in collaboration with the museum of Graffiti in Wynwood Miami interviews pioneering Philadelphia graffiti writers Sub, Cornbread, Dave ICP, Cool Cone, Dr. Cool and Lewis. These interviews will be included in the Philadelphia section of the Museum of Graffiti, be shown locally, and will inform a mural in Brewerytown a block away from Cornbread's birth home.

• AND INTO THE STREETS: A Community Revisited - Gathering and Conversation

Saturday, October 21, 2023, 2 – 4pm Louis Kahn Park

11th and Pine Streets Philadelphia, PA

AND INTO THE STREETS is a project by artist Rami George (they/them) depicting the complexities of Philadelphia's LGBTQ community. Representing archival images and materials from the now-defunct LGBTQ news publication, Au Courant (1982–2000), George threads together underrepresented histories that depict a queer cultural memory of Philadelphia life. With the help of community leaders and partner organizations, "A Community Revisited" will bring together individuals pictured in George’s project, former members of Au Courant's staff, and community leaders from this era. This will be an open community discussion reflecting on the past and present through the Au Courant archive. The conversation will be hosted by Chris Bartlett, executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center and David Acosta, renowned poet, writer, and co-founder of Casa de Duende. All are welcome.

Educational & Advocacy Happenings

Mural Arts Institute will host a two-day national symposium titled Created, Together.

Friday, October 20, 2023, 9am-6pm

Moore College of Art 1916 Race St,

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9am-4pm

Friends Center 1501 Cherry St

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Created, Together. is a national assembly for artists and creatives working with communities brought to Philadelphia by Mural Arts Institute. This two-day event includes site visits to public art projects throughout the city of Philadelphia, a film screening, and a full day of networking with fellow creatives from across the country. The gathering is open to all who identify as contributors to the creative intersection of art in public spaces. Artists, administrators, community members, policy makers, students and more are welcome. The goal of this symposium is to amplify the voices of people doing this work daily, and by design, there is not a long list of celebrity names highlighted. Instead, through a National Call for Creatives, 16 emerging artists and changemakers were awarded travel grants to participate in the event, representing Arizona, California, Illinois, Oregon, Ohio, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC . The event is also culminating our three-year Public Art & Civic Engagement Capacity Building Initiative (PACE) that has supported six public art projects in collaboration with APANO Communities United Fund in Portland Oregon, Louisville Visual Arts in Louisville Kentucky, and Southside Community Arts Center in Chicago Illinois. Along with the local Philadelphia community, this convening will include unique voices from cities across the nation, to build a dynamic conversation about the future of socially-engaged public art.

• Friday, October 20, 2023 Moore College of Art & Design

Symposium participants will have an exclusive opportunity to journey behind the scenes of a community-centered public art project in the City of Philadelphia. This intimate exploration is part of the Mural Arts Philadelphia's ongoing commitment to art engagement and community connection. That afternoon, participants will view a series of short documentaries through a film screening and engage in an artist talk with seven distinguished public artists. These creators hail from Chicago, IL; Louisville, KY; and Portland, OR, and have contributed their visionary talents to the Mural Arts Institute's Public Art and Civic Engagement Capacity Building Initiative (PACE).

• Saturday, October 21, 2023 Friends Center

Participants will play a critical role in shaping the present and future of socially-engaged public art practices. Through thoughtful breakout conversations led by dynamic facilitators, every voice will be heard, enriching the dialogue and fostering new ideas in public art. Throughout the day, participants will share insights and generate questions that will inform a unique audience-driven panel discussion as a capstone to the symposium. This event will be an excellent opportunity to make national connections, share ideas, and challenge one another in what the future of socially-engaged public art can be.

For more information and to register for the Symposium, see here. To register, please visit here.

The PACE Initiative, Call for Creatives, and the entire Created, Together. symposium are projects of the Mural Arts Institute, made possible with funding provided by the Mellon Foundation. The Mural Arts Institute is supported by the JPB Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.

Established in 2017 as an initiative of Mural Arts Philadelphia,the Mural Arts Institute (MAI) is dedicated to sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences that have shaped our approach to community centered art making with a global audience. At its core, MAI seeks to build connections, sustain relationships, and share skills about the practices that have been instrumental in creating works of public art with Philadelphians. We work with artists, arts administrators, and community leaders across the world to align knowledge, amplify voices, empower change, and distribute resources that move us all towards a more inclusive and equitable future for socially engaged public art.

Mural Dedications & Project Design Unveils

Adaire Elementary School Mural Dedication Thursday, October 5, 2023, 2 pm - 5 pm Adaire Elementary School

1300 E Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Mural Arts will celebrate the unveiling of this amazing project co-created by the students at Adaire Elementary School and lead artist Ben Volta. This project was funded by the Marrazzo Family Foundation, the Penn Treaty Special Services District, the Joseph Roberts Foundation, and the Friends of Adaire in addition to Mural Arts.

Mural Arts Environmental Justice Department’s Climate Justice Initiative Mural Dedication

Entitled: Climate Justice in Lenapehoking

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 4 pm – 5 pm

**Rain Date: Saturday, October 8, 2023, 4 - 5 pm 1800 N American St

Philadelphia, PA

Based on collaborators’ stories, led by muralist Eurhi Jones, this 400 foot long mural created through the Climate Justice Initiative (CJI) illustrates the injustices of the past and present, and offers a hopeful vision for the future. CJI creates public art about the climate crisis in Lenapehoking (the homelands of the Lenape people, approximately equivalent to the watershed of the Lenapei Sipu / Delaware River). Convened by Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Environmental Justice Department, this collaboration between activists, organizers, and artists seeks to galvanize individuals into collective action for climate justice. Special musical guest PhilHarmonia. Keynote speech by Jerome Shabazz, Executive Director of the Overbrook Environmental Education Center. For further info visit www.climatejusticeinitiative.com and www.muralarts.org. Funded by PTS Foundation, Anonymous, The JPB Foundation, Nextfab Studio, and the City of Philadelphia.

• The Art Education program unveil new Murals on the Move Van & Design Thursday, October 12, 2023, 11 am

LOVE Park

16th Street & JFK Boulevard Philadelphia, PA

A new design by artist Carolina Gomez will be unveiled Mural Arts’ Art Education Program’s new Murals on the Move van. Mural on the Move converts a Parks & Recreation truck with a colorful and graphic exterior, outfitted with supplies for a range of art-making activities. Led by trained Teaching Artists, the truck operates Monday through Thursdays during three two-month semesters (summer, fall, and spring). Each recreation center will receive three visits, and over the course of three semesters, the Murals on the Move vehicle will visit 30 sites, with each visit will serving roughly 15-30 students. An intensive summer session reaches 22 sites and over 600 students.

The new design and van will help Murals on the Move:

• Deepen connections between young people and their communities / rec centers.
• Foster positive relationships among youth and between youth and adults.
• Instill pride among young people who see their work displayed in public.
• Provide basic art-making skills.
• Inspire a portion of those served to pursue more in depth art education.

Artist Carolina Gomez is a graphic designer and illustrator with a bachelor of fine arts in Graphic Design from Tyler School of Art. She has worked as an assistant muralist and an assistant teaching artist with Mural Arts and lives in Philadelphia.

Mural Arts’ Art Education program works with students across the city to unlock their creative capacities, inviting them to take risks, share their experiences, and illustrate the world as they see it. Art becomes a platform for discovery, launching the types of personal and communal experiences that can shape a student’s path for years to come. The program provides in-school and after-school arts-based programming for over 2,000 students at 16 sites across Philadelphia each year, studying everything from entrepreneurship to environmental stewardship through an artistic lens.

Tilden Middle School Mural Dedication Friday, October 13, 2023, 3:30 – 5 pm Tilden Middle School

6601 Elmwood Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142

Mural Arts will dedicate and celebrate the work that Visiting Artist Kah Yangni conducted with students at Tilden Middle School, a series of silhouette installations on the front lawn, and two banners installed inside of the school.

• First Mural in Camden with Hopeworks titled, Accessibility, Equity, Empowerment

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 11 am Hopeworks

808 Market Street, 3rd floor Camden, NJ 08102

Mural Arts’ first Camden-based mural, Accessibility, Equity, Empowerment, will be located at and in partnership with Hopeworks, a nonprofit and social enterprise dedicated to providing a positive and healing environment that propels young people to build strong futures. Local artists worked with Eric Okdeh and community members to create a visual experience reflective of the community’s need of and drive towards bridging the digital divide. The theme is intrinsic to Hopeworks' use of technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives in Camden and the surrounding communities.

• Mural Arts Restorative Justice Rec Crew Help Dedicate Champions in the Making

Champions in the Making Mural Dedication Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 3 – 4:30 pm Christy Rec Center

56^th & Christian Streets Philadelphia

Last fall, the Mural Arts’ Rec Crew assisted artist Gabe Tiberino in painting background patterns of a new mural onto Christy Rec Center. The work continued over the Spring and Summer painting figures at play onto parachute cloth representing the various sports offered at the recreation center. The placement of the figures represents how the center will look after completion of a major renovation by Rebuild slated for 2024. Additionally, the pool deck was painted this past summer as part of the Rec Crew’s Swim Philly project.

Mural Arts Restorative Justice program is an alternative to traditional means of rehabilitation and punishment that brings together justice-impacted community members, focusing on humanity, relationships, conversation, and understanding as the first steps on the path to healing. Art education, paired with personal and professional development and hands-on assistance on mural projects, forge the growth of strong, positive bonds between returning citizens and justice-impacted communities. The Restorative Justice program strongly emphasizes work readiness within our Guild and Rec Crew programs and gives a creative voice to people who have been disconnected from society.

• Know the Elements - 50 Years of Hip Hop! Part 2 Mural Dedication & Celebration

Thursday, October 26, 2023, 12 – 3 pm

910 West Oxford Street Philadelphia, PA

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, Mural Arts will dedicate our second Know the Elements Mural with a celebratory block party in partnership with TAME ARTZ LLC. The mural by lead artist Christian “TAME ARTZ” Rodriguez & artist Bill Strobel is rooted in and a celebration of Hip-Hop culture paying homage to each pillar of Hip-Hop (DJs, MCs, Graffiti Writers, and Breakers). It also shows the importance of unity and the impact that Hip-Hop culture has had worldwide, especially in its’ 50th year!

This mural has included collaboration with the Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice Guild program and Rec Crew through workshops and mural installation.

The first mural of this series is located at 900 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.

CB Kimmins Mural Dedication Saturday, October 28, 2023, 2 – 3 pm 770/2 N 37 Street

Philadelphia, PA

This is a tribute mural to the late C.B. Kimmins, co-founder of Mantua Against Drugs, who dedicated his life as a legendary activist in the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Kimmins stood up to some of the city's toughest drug dealers. “He wouldn’t give in and he wouldn’t give up,” said former City Council member Jannie Blackwell who is also a sponsor of the Urban Peace Garden where C.B. 's mural will be housed. For four decades, Mr. Kimmins, equipped with only a bullhorn and hardhat, cruised the streets at night with other activists. They stared down drug dealers and tried to steer young people away from a life of crime. In the 1980s and ’90s, when blocks in Mantua were awash in crack cocaine dealing, Mr. Kimmins and his companions would stand vigil nightly outside a drug house until the dealers got fed up and left. Although the dealers sometimes threatened his life, he was unafraid.Mr. Kimmins received many honors, including the 1999 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Involvement Recognition Award, the magazine reported. The accolade, presented by University of Pennsylvania president Judith Rodin and civil rights activist Al Sharpton, recognized Mr. Kimmins’ work in West Philadelphia.

Wine & Merch Collaborations

Amplifying Mural Arts Month spirit, October will welcome a new collaboration with Mural City Cellars (MCC), Philadelphia's first urban winery, creating minimal intervention wines made with locally available grapes. MCC sources fruit within a 300-mile radius, works with Philadelphia-based artists to design their labels, and gives back to their neighborhood
through their Community Supported Winery (CSW) program. Co-owners, Nicholas and Francesca, are partnered with Mural Arts Philadelphia for their co-branded wine, the sales of which will contribute to the vibrant public art scene in the city of Philadelphia.

The 2023 Mural Arts Red is 100% Chambourcin, a local varietal that grows just over the bridge in Swedesboro, NJ. The grapes were picked in the Fall of 2022, and the wine spent eight months aging in neutral French oak barrels at the winery in Fishtown. It's fruit-forward and light with notes of cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate and tastes delicious with a slight chill. The winery will also sell the Mural Arts Month themed wine, donating 15% per bottle for every sale.

Additionally, Mural Arts will be selling special edition Mural Arts Month merchandise to showcase the Power of Commitment at muralarts.org/shop

Social Events

New Voter Registration Party at City Hall Courtyard Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10 am – 3 pm

City Hall Courtyard Philadelphia

Councilmember At-Large Kendra Brooks will invite Philadelphia's youth to embrace their civic power and shape the future of their city. At the New Voters Registration Party in the City Hall Courtyard, young Philadelphians aged 18-30 are given the chance to engage with bipartisan politics in an inviting, festive setting. Mural Arts will be onsite to offer information and art activations.

This event doesn't just aim to inspire political participation, but also to foster meaningful partnerships, connecting new voters with various organizations that offer positive outlets and opportunities. More than just a registration drive, it's an innovative approach to violence prevention, linking our city's youth with the information and resources they need to make a significant impact.

• Mural Arts’ Tacony LAB’s 6^th Anniversary Celebration Friday, October 6, 2023, 5 – 8 pm

Tacony Lab

6918 Torresdale Ave Philadelphia, PA

An anniversary celebration with an art exhibit and maker market, Tacony LAB will celebrate its 6^th Anniversary at this First Friday event. Located in the Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, Tacony LAB Community Art Center is a program of Mural Arts Philadelphia in partnership with City Councilmember Mike

Driscoll. Tacony LAB brings the neighborhood and the arts together to create a unique hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement in Northeast Philadelphia. The Tacony LAB runs an artist-in-residence program, offers art classes for adults and youth, holds open studio sessions for the public in our well-equipped studio/maker space, and presents arts-focused events free of charge.
For more information about Tacony LAB, please visit: taconylab.org

Afromation Avenue: Project Walk with Creators October 25, 2023, 11:30 am – 1 pm

• GRANT BLVD Finally Friday Friday, October 27, 2023, 5 – 8 pm Mural Arts Philadelphia

GRANT BLVD

140 S. 34th St., Philadelphia, PA 19130

GRANT BLVD's new storefront on UPenn's campus is happy to host a new Artist spotlight series, featuring limited prints by Yannick Lowrey. GRANT Blvd is a sustainably sourced, socially conscious, Black-owned, women-led apparel B-Corp committed to supporting currently and formerly incarcerated women.

Finally Friday events will feature a discussion with GRANT Blvd Founder and CEO Kimberly McGlonn and the featured artist in conversation moderated by Darnell Schoolfield.

Meet Mural Arts: Closing Reception Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 7 – 11 pm Fringe Bar

140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19106

To conclude Mural Arts Month, Mural Arts will give the public an opportunity to to meet and interact with our board members, directors, and employees in a celebratory setting. As Mural Arts approaches its 40th year in 2024, this event will allow the community it serves to address how Mural Arts can best support and interact with Philadelphia neighborhoods and communities. Complimentary beer and wine while supplies last.

About Mural Arts Philadelphia:

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation's largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For more than 35 years, Mural Arts have united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating over 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts' iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the "Mural Capital of the World." For more information, call 215-685-0750 or visit muralarts.org. Follow along on social media: @muralarts on Twitter and Instagram, @MuralArtsPhiladelphia on Facebook, and phillymuralarts on YouTube.

Media contacts:

Kaitlyn Haney, Signature 57
khaney@signature57.com
215.514.6495

Tamara Yvette Day, Signature 57
tday@signature57.com