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location
Citywide
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Neighborhood
Citywide
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completion date
July 04, 2020
About the Project
Together apart seems to be the general theme of this pandemic. Leaning in to the isolation, and taking comfort that we are all alone. Seeming more like an existential crisis than a physical one (why not both?), we are still forced into the reality that we cannot even pass near a stranger in the grocery store without worrying for our health and the health of our loved ones. The guidelines to remain six feet apart are simple to understand, but difficult to implement.
Collaborating with local businesses and organizations, Mural Arts is giving back and helping Philadelphians practice safe distancing. Space Pads, temporary vinyl floor tiles set at six foot intervals, are each designed by a local Philadelphia artist. The brightly-colored tiles, designed in sets of 5 or 10, are a mix of abstract patterns, affirmations like “we got this,” and some proffer health guidelines like “wash your hands” and, the very literal, “stand six feet apart.”
Illustrating how important art is for strategic and effective communication, Space Pads are another concrete example of how the arts are foundational to a functioning society. In lieu of the impersonal arrows or clinical signs that read “STOP. Stay six feet apart!,” this project adds a personal touch and encouragement to continue following these health guidelines until we’re all safe and healthy again.
Mural Arts has provided 1,672 Space Pads for grocery stores, pharmacies, small markets, mini marts, small independent grocers, food distribution sites, food pantries, emergency meal service sites, and City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health sites.
Step Up to the Plate
Space Pads have also been deployed as part of Step Up to the Plate, a collaborative initiative with Broad Street Ministry, Project HOME, and Prevention Point Philadelphia. Mural Arts has contributed its artist-designed space pads to help those looking for a fresh meal maintain their distance while they meet their essential needs.
Nearly 700 14” x 14” outdoor vinyl decals were installed at Step Up to the Plate‘s the Center City site, while another 140 were installed at the Kensington location.
Partnering with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Space Pads can now be found at public gathering places like food distribution sites to ensure everyone maintains the six foot distance recommended by medical experts.
To purchase Space Pads for your business or organization, please email Ellen.Soloff@muralarts.org
In the News
- Inside Philly’s ambitious plan to put caterers back to work serving the homeless
Philadelphia Inquirer - Mural Arts Philadelphia creates artistic ‘space pads’ for physical distancing in stores
Philadelphia Tribune - South Philly supermarket artfully measures social distancing
WHYY - Space Pad Project encourages safe distancing at a South Philly ShopRite
Philadelphia Inquirer
Help support responsive works of art like this one.
Sponsor
City of Philadelphia