Created, Together. An Assembly for Artists Working with Communities

Visual notetaking from symposium conversations by Kay Dugan-Murrell, Mural Arts Art Ed Alumni. Image courtesy of the Artist.

I was reminded that artists, community members and project managers are doing similar work across communities in the United States. We are more connected than we realize and can use more spaces like this.

- Ayana Mack

On October 20-21, 2023, the Mural Arts Institute hosted a national symposium of creatives working in Public Art to delve into the future direction of the art form. The gathering included 200 participants from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The event also welcomed administrators, community members, policymakers, and students to share their voices in the conversation. This symposium culminated our three-year Public Art & Civic Engagement Capacity Building Initiative (PACE).

On Friday, October 20th, symposium participants had the exclusive opportunity to journey behind the scenes of one of six community-centered public art projects in the City of Philadelphia, meeting with artists and community members involved in the project. This intimate exploration is part of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s ongoing commitment to art engagement and community connection. Following the visits, a film screening and artist talk occurred, moderated by Whyy’s arts & culture reporter Peter Crimmins. These films documented the journey of diverse artists from across the United States, leading six public art projects through the PACE Capacity Building Initiative.

The symposium continued on Saturday, October 21st, with an inspiring artist talk by Michelle Angela Ortiz. where participants played a critical role in shaping the present and future of socially-engaged public art practices. Through thoughtful breakout conversations led by dynamic facilitators, every voice was heard, enriching the dialogue and fostering new ideas in public art. Throughout the day, participants shared insights and generated questions that informed a unique audience-driven panel discussion as a capstone to the symposium. This event was an excellent opportunity to make national connections, share ideas, and challenge one another in what the future of socially-engaged public art can be.

Here are some responses from participants:

“Figuring out how to be an artist in this world, especially if you are focused on community-oriented work or using art as a vehicle for change, can feel like constantly shifting ground. I thought the questions posed by Mural Arts as the central themes within the conference were all important pillars of what it means to do this work and it was powerful to discuss with peers.” -Sarah C. Rutherford

“The symposium was so important for me to experience. As an artist, I think heavily about the future of my practice and what I want it to provide for my community. I believe in Art’s ability to heal. By meeting each other and exchanging the hopes we collectively have, we are doing powerful work. We make the way that generations after us will look to for hope.” -Mithsuca Berry

“The blend of attendees – from public artists and project managers to public art administrators – created a rich, diverse environment. The conference attendees were incredibly diverse and there was a unified language around socially engaged art, public art logistics, and community impact. This intersectionality was both inspiring and affirming. I left the symposium energized, determined to gather more voices of public artists in my community and reinforce our commitment to amplifying diverse issues and voices and fostering social change through art.” -Liza Quinonez

Stay tuned as we share videos, texts, and more about the Symposium in the new year.

More pics from Created, Together.

Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together symposium tour with Michelle Angela Ortiz, October 20, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Created Together symposium tour with Michelle Angela Ortiz, October 20, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Created Together Symposium, October 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.