Remarks from Santi: Co-Teaching Artist for Murals on the Move

Mural Arts’ Art Education program dedicated the refreshed design of its Murals on the Move van on Thursday, November 16, at the Heitzman Recreation Center in Philadelphia.  Murals on the Move is a partnership of Mural Arts and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to expand art classes around the city, unite communities, and transform public space.

We were thrilled to share the beautiful new mural wrap for this crucial vehicle that brings art education to students throughout the city. Artist Carolina Gomez worked with Paige, Santi, and their students to reimagine the van wrap with a brand-new look. It was an inspiring day for everyone there.

Now, we are happy to share remarks made by Santi Castro, Co-Teaching Artist for Murals on the Move, that day:

“My time at Mural Arts with Murals on the Move has made me realize that my teaching method is driven by a need to inspire confidence within the young artists I teach. I strongly believe in the notion of capability- everyone is capable of creativity! At each rec center we travel to I get to show that I am proud to be myself and be an artist. I feel that brings a light to young artists to be unashamed in themselves and their creativity as well. I challenge myself with each lesson. Whether it’s 30 kids we’re teaching or 10, I challenge myself to show these kids that for a short part of their day, they can release their creative minds and explore. I believe that the power of the future lies in our youngest artists and students, and it is important for— especially— youth from marginalized communities to understand from a young age that they are not outsiders to the art world and understand the power of community and diversity. Often, people underestimate the capability of young artists and leave too little space for independence. The Murals on the Move program has created a strong foundation of trust and community, so young artists are able to flourish and amplify their voices so boldly that it can knock down barriers. My heart is with young artists—they are the future.” – Santi Tonauac Castro

The Murals on the Move program seeks to deepen connections between young people and their communities/rec centers, foster positive relationships among youth and between youth and adults, instill pride among young people who see their work displayed in public, provide basic art-making skills, and inspire students to pursue more in-depth art education.  Funded by the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation and the Caroline Alexander Buck Foundation. Partners: Knight Foundation, The Partnership for Healthy Cities, Philadelphia Health Department, Resolve Philadelphia, Vital Strategies, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

Biography 

Santi Tonauac Castro (he/him) is an Indigenous Mexican-Cuban 2spirit maker. Most recently, his play Manflor won a BIPOC new work grant with Cannonball Fest and was produced in the Philadelphia Fringe Fest.  His play Black Lung And Also If was in the 24 Hour Plays Fest at Interact Theatre, and his play Gente Del Sol was in PlayPenn’s 2022 annual new play festival. Santi is part of Playpenn’s Playwrights cohort. In 2023, Santi made the Kilroy’s list. He is a 2019 Youngarts Playwriting winner. Santi has worked with The Arden and Quintessence Theatre, 1812 Productions, Taller Puertoriqueno, and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Santi has a BFA from UArts, majoring in playwriting and minoring in sculpture!