Philadelphia Department of Recreation Mural Arts Program

Young people, at the Cruz Recreation Center, hard at work on their community mural project.

The Mural Arts Program (MAP) was conceived in 1984 as part of an initiative aimed at eradicating graffiti throughout Philadelphia. The initiative included a massive graffiti removal effort along with a mural painting component designed to engage adjudicated graffiti writers in learning more positive and productive ways to express their creativity.

In 1996, the mural painting component was reconfigured as a separate organization, renamed the Mural Arts Program, and given a "home" in the City of Philadelphia's Department of Recreation. In 1997 MAP developed a sequenced, year-round curriculum that incorporates art workshops, skills training and basic employment that keeps young people engaged in productive art and community related activities. Currently, MAP's educational workshops are offered at 23 sites including schools, recreation centers, homeless shelters, detention centers and cultural institutions. All education programs are taught by a professional artist and are free of charge.

MAP's art education programs expose young people to the historical tradition of mural art as well as to different careers that draw on the skills associated with this craft. After learning about mural history and basic drawing and painting, students are taught specific mural planning and painting techniques (e.g. how to design, lay out and transfer a design to a wall, apply paint and seal murals once they are painted). As part of their education, students also gain experience in basic work-related skills such as project planning, budgeting, purchasing, communications and teamwork. Mural workshops culminate with participants assisting artists in the design and execution of a full-scale community mural.

Over the past 17 years, MAP has created more than 2,000 murals throughout Philadelphia and has engaged more than 12,000 young people in pursuit of its mission of providing Philadelphia's youth and communities with hope through art. The program gives young people a chance to contribute directly to the beautification and improvement of their neighborhoods, a sense of place and a way to make their own artistic contributions. It engenders pride, excellence, diligence and civic responsibility.