The Mural Arts Program and the School District of Philadelphia Mural-Making Partnership
History
In 2004, the Mural Arts Program and the School District of Philadelphia entered into a unique and exciting partnership to create or restore 100 murals at school sites over five years. In addition to creating murals, MAP hosted a summer Mural Academy for high school students that delved further into mural technique and history.
I think the mural made my school a better place.
—Stephen, 12 years old, Mural Arts Program and School District Partnership Student
Over 50 schools applied the first year. Each school was required to include a thoughtful plan specifying how it would incorporate a diverse group of students in their project. In addition, we wanted to be sure our schools had meaningful and thoughtful mural themes that resonated with the lives of students. All applications were thoroughly reviewed by a panel of School District art administrators and Mural Arts Program artists and administrators.
Ingenuity, © 2005 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Jared Bader, Randolph Technical High School, 3101 Henry Avenue, Sponsored by the School District of Philadelphia, Photo by Jack Ramsdale
A core group of students from each school worked with muralists to learn the process of mural-making through hands-on activities that were incorporated into the final mural. These students also learned about the history of murals as a form of public art and the importance of community engagement in the mural-making process. A larger group of students had an opportunity to participate in the mural's creation through community paint days at the school during student assemblies. Upon completion of each project, a dedication was held to allow everyone to take pride in a beautiful and meaningful mural where a drab brick or cinderblock wall once stood. These celebrations publicly acknowledged the murals, as well as the school and the students who participated in their creation.
The following schools have participated in the initiative to date:
| 2004-2005 View images |
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| 2005-2006 View images |
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| 2006-2007 View images |
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| 2007-2008 View images |
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Apply for a School Mural
Apply for a mural to beautify your school, involve the students in the learning process, and help create a lasting work of public art by working with professional artists. For more information, please contact Deborah Zuchman, Project Manager, at 215.685.0739 or deborah.zuchman@muralarts.org.
Deborah Zuchman
Project Manager
City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Thomas Eakins House
1729 Mt. Vernon Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Mural Arts Program and School District of Philadelphia partnership is made possible through private fundraising. Fulfillment of applications is contingent upon available funding.