Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program Still A Stunning Success
“Art saves lives,” words to live by, according to Jane Golden, director of the Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia, who abides by the mantra. Jane Golden was hired in 1984 by the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network to assist with battling the ongoing epidemic of graffiti that plagued the streets of the sprawling industrial town. Her weapon of choice? Art production. Jane was brought into the organization to reach out to graffiti artists throughout the town and offer them the opportunity to continue their work by different means, creating murals that would effectively bring beauty and originality to the city of Philadelphia.
Mural Arts Program image from Flickr.
In 1996, the Anti-Graffiti Network was officially restructured and recognized by the Mayor as the Mural Arts Program, with Jane Golden as the director. Golden also started a non-profit organization to obtain funding for the ongoing projects. Core values were introduced as standards to abide by, such as: “Stories Must Be Told,” and “We Beats Me.” These values help guide members of the program with positive messages.
The Mural Arts Program’s creations, under Golden’s direction, would go on to produce a collections of over 3,600 original murals that are cherished and highly valued by the city. This claim has earned the city of Philadelphia international renown as the “City of Murals.”
Not only do these artists, young and old, gain the opportunity to become a highly valued part of their society, they are also presented with additional benefits. Younger members are more likely to graduate high school; highly valued work skills are gained through working with others and problem solving; and stipends are given for commissioned pieces in certain areas. This program is still a benefit to many, from high-risk youths to recently released prison inmates.
Perhaps more cities should take note of the success that Philadelphia has achieved with their Mural Arts Program. Not only has it effectively warded off a graffiti epidemic, but it has provided a visual history to future generations, an aesthetic marvel for visitors to appreciate, and provided healing and a future for numerous individuals.
