Climate Justice Mural Dedication!

The climate crisis can be overwhelming. How can we deal with all of our complicated feelings? What kinds of actions can we take, individually and collectively, to make a difference? And what is the role of art in supporting movements for climate justice?

In 2020, Mural Arts Philadelphia convened a group of two dozen artists, activists, and organizers from across Lenapehoking (the original homelands of the Lenape people) to tackle these enormous questions. The result is a brand-new, 400-foot-long mural showing the past, present, and future of climate justice (and injustice) in our communities and across the region.

On Saturday, October 7, as part of Mural Arts Month and in celebration of Indigenous People’s Day, we will gather at the site of the new mural (1800 N. American St) to celebrate, to mourn, and to plan our next steps together. Hear from project collaborators about their connection to this artwork, with a special focus on leaders and organizers from Black and Indigenous communities. Special musical guest PhilHarmonia choir will perform selections from the new work Elegy For the Earth, by Philadelphia-area composer Adam B. Silverman. Jerome Shabazz, Executive Director of the Overbrook Environmental Center, will deliver the keynote speech.

This event will coincide with Art For the Cash Poor, a large & affordable local art market, from 12-6 pm on the 1400-1500 block of N. American St, a half-mile walk away.