Space Pads

Collaborating with local businesses and organizations, Mural Arts is helping the community maintain safe distance.

artist Various Artists

Part of Art In Action: COVID19 Response

  • location

    Citywide

  • Neighborhood

    Citywide

  • completion date

    July 04, 2020

A Sample of Space Pad Designs 

  • Space Pad Design by Dora Cuenca.

  • Space Pad Design by Eurhi Jones.

  • Space Pad Design Nathaniel Lee.

  • Space Pad Design Sam Spetner.

  • Space Pad Design by Dora Cuenca.

  • Space Pad Design by Lauren Cat West.

  • Space Pad Design by Lauren Cat West.

  • Space Pad Design by Maria Beddia.

  • Space Pad Design Martha Rich

  • Space Pad Design by Felix St. Fort.

  • Space Pad Design Felix St. Fort.

  • Space Pad Design Dora Cuenca.

  • Space Pad Design Rebecca Rutstein.

  • Space Pad Design by Calo Rosa.

  • Space Pad Design by Adam Crawford.

  • Space Pad Design by Sam Spetner.

  • Space Pad Design by Calo Rosa.

  • Space Pad Design by Daniel Lipschutz.

  • Space Pad Design by Calo Rosa.

  • Space Pad Design by David McShane.

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 at City Hall and Kensington 

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, City Hall. Design by Adam Crawford. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, City Hall. Design by Eurhi Jones. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, City Hall. Design by Eurhi Jones. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, Kensington. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, Kensington. Design by Nile Livingston. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, Kensington. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, Kensington. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, Kensington. Design by David McShane. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, Kensington. Design by Daniel Lipschutz. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, City Hall. Design by Lauren Cat West. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, City Hall. Design by Nathaniel Lee. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Step Up To The Plate Space Pad Project, City Hall. Design by Mat Tomezsko. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

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.

Space Pad installations at PHA sites 

  • Space Pad installations at PHA Sites, May 2, 2020. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Space Pad installations at PHA Sites, May 2, 2020. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Space Pad installations at PHA Sites, May 2, 2020. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Space Pad installations at PHA Sites, May 2, 2020. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

  • Space Pad installations at PHA Sites, May 2, 2020. Photo by Michael E. Reali.

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 

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City of Philadelphia

City of Philadelphia COVID-19 Information

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