Mural Arts Program: About Us: Our Staff

How big is an average mural?
An average mural is about the size of a Philadelphia row house-three stories high (35 feet) by 30 feet across. MAP’s murals, however, range in size from small one-story projects to the eight-story high mural, "Common Threads," at Broad and Spring Garden.

How long does a mural take to paint?
The amount of time it takes to paint a mural is determined by the size of the wall and the complexity of the design. On average, a standard, row-house sized mural takes about two months to complete.

What kind of techniques do muralists use?
One challenge every muralist faces is how to transfer his or her design from paper onto a wall, while preserving its scale, perspective, composition, and overall integrity. Muralists rely on four basic transfer methods: the Grid System, the Michelangelo Method, the Parachute Cloth Method, and the Projection Method.

What kind of paint does MAP use?
MAP uses a special acrylic mural paint called Artex NovaColor, which is produced by a small company in Los Angeles. A mural painted with NovaColor and properly sealed with weather resistant gel can last twenty to twenty-five years.

How much does a mural cost?
The cost of a mural averages between $10,000 and $15,000. This includes paint, the artist's commission, scaffolding, and all brushes and other painting supplies.

How many murals has MAP painted?
MAP has painted over 2,700 murals throughout Philadelphia. Murals are located on exterior walls and inside buildings, such as schools and recreation centers.

Are there tours of the murals?
Mural Arts offers a series of public tours and arranges tours for private groups. Tours are on historic trolleys, which can accommodate approximately 35 people, and are lead by knowledgeable docents. To receive notification of public tours, please sign up for our mailing list.

I'm an artist who would like to paint a mural or teach a workshop. How do I get involved?
Mural Arts is committed to providing professional development and employment opportunities to artists in the Philadelphia area and is always on the lookout for new talent. If you are interested in working with the program, please send a letter, resume, and work samples to the MAP office. Please highlight any applicable experience.
Painting a mural involves special technical skills. Before we commission new artists to paint murals, we often ask them to assist experienced muralists as volunteers or, if funds permit, as paid helpers.

Are there volunteer opportunities?
Mural Arts is looking for volunteers to serve as docents for mural tours. If you are interested, please call (215) 685-0750. Currently Mural Arts does not have a regular volunteer program. It does, however, schedule periodic volunteer days throughout the year. To receive information on volunteer days, please sign up for our mailing list.