{"id":7810,"date":"2022-10-19T09:49:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T14:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nptrust.org\/?p=7810"},"modified":"2024-07-16T15:40:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T20:40:14","slug":"mural-arts-philadelphia-inspiring-a-city-through-civic-and-social-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nptrust.org\/philanthropic-resources\/philanthropist\/mural-arts-philadelphia-inspiring-a-city-through-civic-and-social-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Mural Arts Philadelphia: Inspiring a City Through Civic and Social Change"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Philadelphia is home to more than 4,300 works of public art, earning itself the apt title as the \u201cMural Capital of the World.\u201d For over 35 years, Mural Arts Philadelphia <\/a>has blended social initiatives and participatory art projects to unite artists and communities across the city. Chad Eric Smith, Director of Communications and Brand Management for Mural Arts Philadelphia, explain that their organization, \u201cis unique because it is, essentially, a social service organization that uses the transformative power of art as the vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between 50-100 projects are produced each year, which draw tens of thousands of visitors. Jane Golden, the Founder and Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, says these city-wide works of art cultivate a \u201csense of cultural identity and a feeling of belonging\u201d for Philadelphia residents and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mural Arts Philadelphia has four core programs: Art Education, Social Justice, Restorative Justice and The Porch Light Program<\/a>. With the help of the City of Philadelphia\u2019s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Services, this program provides access to city funded programs in addition to participatory art projects, working to help its participants connect and engage within Philadelphia\u2019s communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color Me Back \u2013 a subsect of The Porch Light Program \u2013 gives participants an opportunity to work on a piece of public art with the intention of beautifying the city. Participants are recruited through an outreach program and are given access to services in job placement, mental health and behavioral\/social.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden attributes the Color Me Back Program\u2019s impact to the response of its inspiring participants. \u201cWhat we’re seeing is [their] potential. We’re seeing the gifts and strengths and assets that exist in people who felt that they were less than.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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