"There is no program anywhere that better realizes the potential and value of art to our culture. As much as these murals have contributed to the beautification and revitalization of the City, the Mural Arts Program must be congratulated even more for engaging the youth of Philadelphia."
Edward G. Rendell , Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (MAP) started in 1984 as a component of the Anti-Graffiti Network (PAGN), a city-wide initiative to eradicate destructive graffiti and address neighborhood blight. As part of this effort, PAGN hired mural artist Jane Golden to reach out to graffiti writers and to redirect their energies to mural-making. Mural-making not only helped these young men and women develop their artistic skills, but also empowered them to beautify their neighborhoods. In 1996, the City of Philadelphia recognized MAP as a program distinct from the Anti-Graffiti Network. At the same time, MAP established a non profit organization, The Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates. The Advocates have a broad mission of youth development and neighborhood revitalization through the arts.

The Mural Arts Program has produced over 2,700 murals throughout Philadelphia--more murals than any other city in the world. These murals have become a cherished part of the civic landscape and a great source of pride and motivation to the millions of residents and visitors who encounter them each year. Currently, MAP is involved in mural-making and art education throughout the city of Philadelphia. MAP's art education programs target under-served youth at neighborhood sites throughout Philadelphia, both after-school and during the summer. Art education classes use mural-making to teach art, promote self-confidence, and foster life and job skills. With professional artists serving as educators and role models, MAP's art education programs serve more than 3,000 youth each year. Art education classes are offered at no fee, ensuring accessibility for all youth.

MAP's community murals department works with more than 100 communities each year to create murals that reflect the culture of Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Mural projects often include stabilization of abandoned lots and revitalization of open spaces. MAP's community partners include block captains, neighborhood associations, public schools, community development corporations, local non profits, and city agencies. MAP strives to coordinate mural projects with existing strategies for community development, thereby leveraging grassroots social capital to build positive momentum and stronger results.

Employing over 300 artists each year, MAP is one of the largest employers in Philadelphia's arts community. MAP provides opportunities for artists with a variety of skills to work together to create interesting and beautiful murals. MAP also strives to employ an ethnically diverse group of artists. Drawing on the styles of artists from different cultures, MAP's murals reflect Philadelphia's wonderfully diverse neighborhoods.

Philadelphia is nationally and internationally recognized as America's "City of Murals." Every year more than 5,000 tourists and residents enjoy MAP's mural tours. In October, Philadelphia's annual Mural Arts Month, over 5,000 people attend city-wide events such as lectures and gallery exhibitions. MAP also produces popular items such as the books acclaimed Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell and the recently published More Philadelphia Murals, a short film titled A Healing Kaleidoscope, and an annual mural calendar.