Mural Arts Philadelphia

A conversation on the roots of graffiti, its impact on public art, and how artists can evolve into artrepreneurs. Moderated by Will TomsJoin us for an engaging conversation that traces the roots of graffiti culture, starting with insights from ENEM and TameArts on the rise of wall writers in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. ENEM and Tame will share their experiences from the early days of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, revealing how it shaped its views on public art and Philadelphia graffiti culture as a whole. The discussion will then explore how artists can maintain the authenticity of graffiti and

An extraordinary celebration of the 175th anniversary of Philadelphia High School for Girls, as we dedicate Jill Scott's new mural.Join us for an extraordinary celebration of the 175th anniversary of Philadelphia High School for Girls, as we dedicate Luminaries: The Coronation, a mural honoring the school’s distinguished alumnae, including the iconic GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jill Scott. Designed by renowned artist Patrick Dougher, this mural celebrates not only Ms. Scott’s remarkable legacy but also the countless women who have walked these halls and gone on to change the world. Celebrate their triumphs, witness the unveiling, and be inspired by the legacy

Art- and Action-Based Lesson Plans for Climate Justice in LenapehokingThe summer of 2024 has been the hottest on record, and it’s going to get even hotter. Your students know that the planet is heating up, and they deserve to be prepared for our region’s changing climate future. Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for “Getting to the Roots,” a workshop that introduces six art- and action-based lesson plans for 8th graders in alignment with Pennsylvania science and language arts standards.Attend ONE of our fall / winter 2024 sessions to receive print-outs of lesson plan materials, including a copy of the mural and

Explore the evolving role of murals in cities nationwide with experts, as they discuss their impact on public spaces and community transformMural Arts Philadelphia has a long history of investigating and realizing diverse facets of muralism while collaborating with Philadelphians to transform public space with works that beautify, inspire, and empower. Today, we see an increasing collection of murals in cities nationwide, some of which have looked to Philadelphia for inspiration, advice, and affirmation. What is the role of murals today? How are we shaping our current understanding of murals and their impact? Join us in a conversation with city

Celebrate the ending of the Another Mural Arts Month!This year to conclude Mural Arts Month we’ve decided to lift the curtain, so to speak, to give the public an opportunity to peer deeper into the organization by giving them the opportunity to meet and interact with our board members, directors, artists and employees in a celebratory setting. As we conclude our 40th year, help us close out the 26th Annual Mural Art Month with “Mural Arts Month Closing Party: Wearable Art" at Rec Philly from 8p-12am. Sounds by Mia Maze and friends and Live Band Performance from Rae. Dianz.Wearable art

Join us for a happy hour exploring the Cradle mural by Diogo Machado, featuring art demos, live music, Q&A, and food at Jefferson Plaza!Celebrate one of Center City’s signature murals, Cradle, by Lisbon-based artist Diogo Machado. Cradle is an awe-inspiring tile installation that embodies the essence of Philadelphia’s unique character. The mural’s design references Philadelphia's history of being a city of many firsts, with nods to centuries of tile-making tradition from the artist’s native country.This happy hour event is dedicated to exploring the story behind this signature project -- produced by Mural Arts Philadelphia on behalf of National Real Estate

Art- and Action-Based Lesson Plans for Climate Justice in LenapehokingThe summer of 2024 has been the hottest on record, and it’s going to get even hotter. Your students know that the planet is heating up, and they deserve to be prepared for our region’s changing climate future. Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for “Getting to the Roots,” a workshop that introduces six art- and action-based lesson plans for 8th graders in alignment with Pennsylvania science and language arts standards.Attend ONE of our fall / winter 2024 sessions to receive print-outs of lesson plan materials, including a copy of the mural and

Art- and Action-Based Lesson Plans for Climate Justice in LenapehokingThe summer of 2024 has been the hottest on record, and it’s going to get even hotter. Your students know that the planet is heating up, and they deserve to be prepared for our region’s changing climate future. Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for “Getting to the Roots,” a workshop that introduces six art- and action-based lesson plans for 8th graders in alignment with Pennsylvania science and language arts standards.Attend ONE of our fall / winter 2024 sessions to receive print-outs of lesson plan materials, including a copy of the mural and

Join Mural Arts and artist Amir Campbell for an evening of joy and celebration of Sharswood history and community!Join Mural Arts and artist Amir Campbell for an evening of joy and celebration of Sharswood history and community! These events kick-off the upcoming mural series at Webb Plaza. We invite you to contribute to a Sharswood history timeline, participate in an art-making exercise, and engage in a photobooth to document your iconic dance moves.

Join Mural Arts and artist Amir Campbell for an evening of joy and celebration of Sharswood history and community!Join Mural Arts and artist Amir Campbell for an evening of joy and celebration of Sharswood history and community! These events kick-off the upcoming mural series at Webb Plaza. We invite you to contribute to a Sharswood history timeline, participate in an art-making exercise, and engage in a photobooth to document your iconic dance moves.

Public Community Paint DayPlease join Sanctuary Farm and Mural Arts for a Community Paint Day to contribute to the upcoming mural designed by Cindy Lozito at Sanctuary Farm.

Get ready to connect with fellow artists, learn about artist opportunities, and get inspired at the Spring Artist Forum!Join us for the Spring Artist Forum! This biannual event, organized by the Mural Arts Institute (MAI), invites local muralists and public artists to come together for professional networking, learning, listening, and sharing. Our focus this forum is on how to build strong applications when submitting to public arts opportunities. Hear from Mural Arts Philadelphia staff along with special guests from Association for Public Art and Creative Philadelphia about their perspectives on how artists can craft successful proposals and learn about upcoming

Join us for a free, collaborative mimeograph workshop and learn about printmaking and the Declaration of IndependenceMade famous during the mid-20th century during the “Mimeograph Revolution,” these low-cost “Mimeo” machines allowed poets, artists, and civil rights groups to spread their messages, free from the confines of the traditional book and periodical publishing industries. Now more of a niche hobby, mimeography continues to be an easy, low-cost way of duplicating artwork or printed text. Using the original design of the mimeograph and a simple table-top stencil duplicator, you will create your very own version of a mimeograph print! Learn how to create

Exploring Criminal Justice Reform, Art, and Social ChangeJoin us in the Great Hall for a thought-provoking day of films and discussions marking the 20th anniversary of the film Concrete, Steel, and Paint, directed by Tony Heriza and Cindy Burstein. Through three powerful documentaries, we’ll reflect on the evolution of criminal justice reform, social stigma, and the role of art in bridging divides. Additional films include Paint Me a Road Out of Here by director Catherine Gund, and Pardon Me, directed by Shuja Moore. Each film screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring criminal justice reform, art and social

Mural Arts, BlackStar, and PFS launched a new mural project celebrating Philly’s vibrant film community.In 2023 talks between Mural Arts Philadelphia, BlackStar Film Festival and the Philadelphia Film Center seeded an exciting new mural project celebrating the Philadelphia Film Community. To create the list of films and organizations featured, a public survey asked Philadelphians which films, and organizations impacted them the most. We also created an advisory panel made up of representatives from BlackStar Film Festival, PhillyCAM, Scribe Video Center, Philadelphia Film and others to advance the work. The group met over the course of a year looking at survey

CAICU is a public art series highlighting Puerto Rican-themed gardens in Norris Square, created by local organizers in the 1980s.Mural Arts’ CAICU project kicks off its Philadelphia 2025 event series with a new mural at the corner of Front & Susquehanna, honoring the Norris Square community's rich history and Caribbean heritage. This mural celebrates the legacy and evolution of this space by reimagining previous works on this wall. Lead artists: Celso Gonzalez of Loíza, Puerto Rico, and Omar García, “Angurria,” of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Collaborating artists: Dan One, Calo Rosa, and the Taína Sisters.El proyecto CAICU de Mural Arts

He was a beloved basketball coach and a father figure to many young people in the community.A winning submission of our public mural application process, this project honors the life of Paul “Unk P” Gripper, a North Philadelphia community member who inspired and mentored young men—many of whom garnered entrance and scholarship to college—through the game of basketball. Paul was described as a larger-than-life figure known for his loud, braggadocious personality. He embodied the spirit of Philadelphia—always cracking jokes and having fun, often silly but uplifting. Paul had a heart as big as his stature and was considered “a teddy

Create your very own relief print using linoleum inspired by the voices of Philadelphians on the Declaration of Independence.In our continued partnership with Brandywine Workshop and Archives and led by teaching artists Caleb Perez and Marta Sanchez, participants will create their very own relief print using linoleum inspired by the voices of Philadelphians on the Declaration of Independence.This event is part of Mural Arts’This event is part of Mural Arts’ Printmaking by the People, a city-wide project that will help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration by asking Philadelphians the question, if the Declaration were to be written today,

Printmaking by the People Workshop: Create a "Blueprint for our Future" using the cyanotype printmaking process.In this workshop let by teaching artists Sofie Rose Seymour and Joy Lai participants will be able to rearrange, recombine, and layer together excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, their own writing and illustrations, and personal possessions in order to interrogate, challenge, and reclaim this document and the nation it created. By having excerpts of the Declaration prepared on transparent sheets, participants will be able to cut up and rearrange words, block out or annotate the text, and add their own words, creating a new

Civic Views honors Philly's city workers through photos + stories of their window views. See it at City Hall Courtyard, May 23–June 11, 2025Civic Views is a temporary public art project celebrating the city’s municipal employees and their diverse perspectives on Philadelphia through poetic documentation of their office windows. The project represents the culmination of two years of Emilio Martínez Poppe photographing and interviewing staff from an array of Philadelphia civic agencies. Presented in Philadelphia’s City Hall Courtyard, Civic Views is accompanied by a robust series of public programs highlighting the work of scholars, labor organizers, elected officials, and city

Ven a unirte a nosotros en un recorrido a pie por Norris Square para explorar la historia y la cultura de este vibrante vecindario. ¡Te espeAbout the TourOn this tour, guests are invited to explore the history of cultural resilience and creativity of the Norris Square neighborhood in North Philly. Featuring visits to the local small and large-scale murals and the beautifully tended Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) gardens, this tour will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to learn about the artists, organizers, and the community processes that have kept the neighborhood's vibrancy alive. The route highlights

A unique opportunity for a hands on printmaking workshop at the Mt Airy Art Garage - Juneteenth Art'Ventures Event!Join us for a free, multi-media screenprinting workshop led by artist Justin Keller. We will be studying the use of printmaking in various political movements and how this method has been vital to creating political posters and spreading important messages. We will ask participants the question: If you were to write the Declaration today, what rights would you include? In response to this question, you will create your very own poster using language from the Declaration and layering it with various forms

Join us for a screen printing workshop a collaboration between Creative Community Works and Mural Arts' Printmaking by the People project.Join us for a screen printing workshop that will incorporate some text, design and imagery of the Liberty Bell, all based on concepts created by CCW artists, along with mixed media elements (drawing directly on the prints).This event is part of Mural Arts’ Printmaking by the People, a city-wide project that will help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration by asking Philadelphians the question, if the Declaration were to be written today, what rights would you want it to

A printmaking collaboration with The Arts League - join us to learn about Philly's rich history of printmaking and learn to silkscreen!Join artists Kathryn Lien, Justin Keller and civics teacher Grace Palladino in exploring Philly’s rich printmaking history, the world’s most famous break-up letter and how to start a revolution! Then, make your own poster with a message that you think should be included in an updated Declaration! Choose from three dates in May and June for a screen-printing workshop offered in collaboration with The Arts League.Participants will be taking a deep dive into the history of the Declaration itself,

Ven a unirte a nosotros en un recorrido a pie por Norris Square para explorar la historia y la cultura de este vibrante vecindario. ¡Te espeAbout the TourOn this tour, guests are invited to explore the history of cultural resilience and creativity of the Norris Square neighborhood in North Philly. Featuring visits to the local small and large-scale murals and the beautifully tended Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) gardens, this tour will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to learn about the artists, organizers, and the community processes that have kept the neighborhood's vibrancy alive. The route highlights

This project honors the life of Paul “Unk P” GripperA winning submission of our public mural application process, this project honors the life of Paul “Unk P” Gripper, a North Philadelphia community member who inspired and mentored young men—many of whom garnered entrance and scholarship to college— through the game of basketball. Paul was described as a larger-than-life figure, known for his loud, braggadocious personality. He embodied the spirit of Philadelphia—always cracking jokes and having fun, often silly but uplifting. Paul had a heart as big as his stature and was considered “a teddy bear with street smarts” by those

An evening of dialogue on art, migration, and belonging, featuring Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Michelle Angela Ortiz, and Anuj Gupta.An evening of dialogue on art, migration, and belonging, featuring internationally renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, celebrated Philadelphia artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, and Anuj Gupta, CEO of The Welcoming Center, moderated by Aviva Kapust.

In this hands-on workshop, participants discover how revolutionary ideas spread in the 1700’s through the power of printmaking.Join artist Rhonda Babb to discover how revolutionary ideas spread in the 1700’s through the power of printmaking.In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how pamphlets, engravings, and broadsides were used to broadly communicate the reasons why America was already at war with England by July of 1776. Together, we’ll examine the transformative ideas found in the Declaration of Independence and discuss how they can serve as a foundation for imagining a better America for the next 250 years.Participants will create posters using

Join us for a deep dive into new and exciting research on Philly's murals, exploring their impact on the lives of everyday Philadelphians.Researching the Impact of Murals for PhiladelphiansPresented by Mural Arts Institute of Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Humanities for Human Flourishing Project, part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center.Join us at the University of Pennsylvania for this inspiring event on October 9th! This event brings together cross disciplinary researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, working in Psychology, Neuroaesthetics, and Criminology, to share new research on the impact of murals for Philadelphians. Their independent work all relate

Join Mural Arts for an interactive paint day along the scenic Manayunk TowpathMural Arts invites community members to come out and restore Paul Santoleri's Concrete Tree mural along the Manayunk Towpath at Fountain Street and Umbria Street. Mural Arts will set up a paint-by-numbers activation with premixed colors for people to paint directly on the wall and bring color back to the mural. This event is open to the public and people of all ages. Please RSVP using the Eventbrite link so we know how many people to accommodate for painting. There is no rain date for this event.Bring a

Civic Views made its temporary debut in the City Hall courtyard and will now move to the Municipal Services Building for a long-term exhibitCivic Views made its temporary debut in the City Hall courtyard and will now move to the Municipal Services Building for a long-term exhibition of five years. This event celebrates the opening reception for the installation, featuring a performance by the Municipal Employees Choral Ensemble. Civic Views is a public art project celebrating the city’s municipal employees and their diverse perspectives on Philadelphia through poetic documentation of their office windows. The project represents the culmination of two

This special Mural Arts Month event features a panel of artists, curated by Mural Arts’ Executive Director and Founder, Jane GoldenThis special Mural Arts Month event features a panel of artists, curated by Mural Arts’ Executive Director and Founder, Jane Golden, who have inspired and influenced the work of Mural Arts Philadelphia over the course of 40+ years of public artmaking. Learn more about how Mural Arts has collaborated with some of the greatest public artists in our city over four decades to make tangible impacts on neighborhoods, systems, and people, and hear what’s next for this exciting group of

Create your own revolutionary poster!Join artist Jeshima DeVine from the Brandywine Workshop and Archives in printing your very own revolutionary poster! First, participants will create an image or text inspired by what liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness mean to them. Then they will learn how to transfer their design to a linoleum plate, carve and print it.Make one print to keep and one to donate to our archive, which will inspire a major mural in Center City next year and could be chosen for an exhibition at the Free Library in spring, 2026. This event is free and

Artistic storefront enhancements along North 5th Street’s “El Bloque de Oro,” a key commercial corridor for Philadelphia’s Latino community.Mural Arts, in partnership with HACE, developed artistic storefront enhancements along North 5th Street’s “El Bloque de Oro,” a key commercial corridor for Philadelphia’s Latino community. Artist Henry Morales designed three custom murals and other enhancements at three different properties along the block. The artist engaged with two senior living facilities in the area and six different business owners along the 2700 block of N. 5th Street to gather input, which included conversations about the neighborhood's history, personal immigration stories, and each

Join us to celebrate a new mural created in collaboration with the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA).Join us to celebrate a new mural created in collaboration with the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA). Mural Arts Philadelphia partnered with ACANA to strengthen connections among long-time residents and members of African diaspora communities in Southwest Philadelphia.African Market Day, designed by Liberian artist Abu Fofana and painted by Philadelphia native Parris Stancell, celebrates the neighborhood’s identity as part of Africatown—a place shaped by migration, tradition, and community pride. The mural honors the spirit of home that links Southwest Philadelphia

Get ready for the Biannual Mural Artist Forum - a place to connect, network, and learn about artist news and opportunities at Mural Arts!Welcome to the Biannual Artist Forum!Join us at the Philadelphia Art Museum for a gathering of muralists from across the city. Connect with muralists from across the city for an evening of networking and learning about updates and opportunities from Mural Arts. Also give your insights to help shape future opportunities for public artists, including an upcoming artist symposium co-hosted with Creative Philadelphia! Our hosts at Philadelphia Art Museum will share ways to engage as an artist

Mural Arts is proud to celebrate the work of our 6th-year cohorts at Ubuntu GalleryThe Fellowship was designed in 2020 to fund, foster, and elevate the important work of emerging Black artists in Philadelphia. The Opening Reception for the show is February 5, 2026 from 5:30-8 pm. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. This year’s exhibition features the work of 15 artists, on display from February 5 through 28, 2026.

Afromation Avenue features positive affirmation street signs co-created with Black communities across Philadelphia.Afromation Avenue is a collection of curated positive affirmation street signs, personalized by predominantly Black and African American communities throughout the city of Philadelphia.This special event brings the project to life through conversation and storytelling. Join creators Brittni Jennings and Kristin Kelly, alongside participating artists, as they take the stage to discuss the inspiration behind Afromation Avenue, the importance of affirmations in public space, and the range of artworks created through the project. Together, they’ll reflect on community voice, representation, and the power of seeing ourselves affirmed in

Participants in workshops around the city created their own art to express their ideas about the rights that are crucial for a just society.Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Free Library of Philadelphia present Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence, an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians who were asked to share their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition is part of Printmaking by the People, Philadelphia’s largest 2026 public art and community engagement project inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.Printmaking by the People opens

Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for an evening celebrating the legacy and impact of Black dance in Philadelphia. The Black Dance Legacy Mural, by artist Bernard Collins, Jr., honors generations of dancers and educators, from Essie Marie Dorsey to Joan Myers Brown, who shaped the city’s cultural identity and global influence. Experience live performances, a film screening, and a powerful conversation, culminating in the unveiling of a new mural design rooted in history, resilience, and community.Featured Speakers:Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt, Distinguished Professor of Africana Studies and Social WorkDr. Lynette Young Overby, Professor Emerita of Theatre and Dance, University of DelawareKaren Warrington, Former

Please join us in celebrating artist Jesse’s newest mural, created in collaboration with the Mural Arts Rec Crew.Please join us in celebrating artist Jesse’s newest mural, created in collaboration with the Mural Arts Rec Crew, part of the Restorative Justice program at Mural Arts Philadelphia. Installed at 990 Spring Garden, a building owned by Arts + Crafts Holdings and led by longtime Mural Arts supporter Craig Grossman, this project reflects the power of art as a tool for healing and collaboration.The mural is inspired by Jesse’s Elegy Quilt series and draws directly from a set of hands-on workshops with eight

Join us for the dedication of a new mural by HENBO, a vibrant, community-driven project rooted in the stories and history of Fishtown.The celebration will begin with an outdoor dedication ceremony featuring remarks from the artist, teaching artist Rebecca Miller, student collaborators, and local partners, followed by an intimate panel discussion exploring the mural’s themes, process, and neighborhood impact. Guests will also have the opportunity to engage with project materials, including a student-created digital experience highlighting the historical sites represented in the mural.

A monthly speaking series presented by Mural Arts Philadelphia and W Philadelphia that brings the organization’s broader mission to life!More Than Murals w/ Dominique Smack is a dynamic monthly speaking series presented by Mural Arts Philadelphia that brings the organization’s broader mission to life—demonstrating that Mural Arts is not only about public art, but also about social justice, restorative justice, art education, workforce development, and deep community impact throughout Philadelphia. Through candid conversations with community leaders, cultural changemakers, program participants, and local partners, the series spotlights individuals whose lives and neighborhoods have been shaped by Mural Arts while reinforcing the

Please join us to celebrate a new mural honoring the Sun Ra Arkestra, created by artists Ernel Martinez and Keir Johnston.This new large-scale mural at 6353 Greene Street in East Germantown recognizes the Sun Ra Arkestra’s nearly 30-year home in the neighborhood and its continuing presence nearby. Artists Ernel Martinez and Keir Johnston created In the Orbit of Ra with contributions from Arkestra band members and scholars. You are invited to the mural dedication, which will include food, a DJ set by music writer Marcus J. Moore, and a performance by the Sun Ra Arkestra.From 1969 through 1993, Sun Ra

Join us in recreating a beloved mural tribute to West Philadelphia's Ed Bradley, award-winning correspondent for CBS News’ "60 Minutes."Come celebrate what would have been Bradley's 85th birthday surrounded by neighbors and friends. Enjoy cake and other food and beverages as you paint.Bradley was first honored with Ed Bradley: Curious, Relentless, Timeless in 2018, celebrating his 26 years as a correspondent on CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” After new construction obscured the original artwork, artist Ernel Martinez collaborated with the Ed Bradley Family Foundation to bring the mural back into view on a new wall at North 44th Street & Parrish

Join us in the Gayborhood for the mural dedication of In Pride, In Power, In Memory, a new tribute to the city's rich LGBTQ+ history.The mural depicts five Philadelphia LGBTQ+ trailblazers: Gloria Casarez, Michael S. Hinson, Jr., Tyrone Smith, Nizah Morris, and Dawn Munro.Photo credit: Wall mockup of In Pride, In Power, In Memory by Santiago Galeas, 2026.

Join us for a panel discussion and exhibition tour exploring how people made themselves heard through printmaking in 1976 and 2026.Philadelphia’s commemorations of the Declaration of Independence have always included big plans, but haven’t always embraced grassroots communities, especially those marginalized by race, class, gender, or sexual orientation.Curators from the Free Library and Penn’s Kislak Center will explore how Philadelphians made themselves heard through posters, newspapers and other materials in the 1976 and 2026 anniversaries.Mitch Fraas will show highlights from an exhibition on the 1976 “counter-celebrations,” Suzanna Urminska will discuss posters from Mural Arts’ 2026 “Printmaking by the People” project,