The History of Mural Arts Month

Legendary design unveiling and celebration at the future site of the mural, October 27, 2012. Photo by Steve Weinik.

Dear Friends,

As the autumn leaves begin to paint the city in vibrant hues, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement in the air. October is here, and with it comes the return of a cherished tradition: Mural Arts Month.

In 1998, shortly after we became the Mural Arts Program, I read about how San Francisco had a “Mural Arts Week.” San Francisco used this period to promote their collection and provide educational programming. I thought, well, we don’t want to copy San Francisco, so let’s have a “Mural Arts Month”!

Our first Mural Arts Month was so exciting. We partnered with Live Arts Fringe and did an event in empty lots around 3rd and Arch; we had our first tour with the White Dog Cafe and dedicated a few murals. I remember doing all of this with two other people. We only had a staff of 5, but that did not stop us from building excitement and a network of people who supported our work. After that, we couldn’t stop. We grew Mural Arts Month into a multidisciplinary celebration of our work, including block parties, dedications, panel discussions, and films.

As we expand our reach, purpose, and aspiration, we want to continue to shine a light on the field of muralism and the importance of the art form; they provide our city with inspiration, vision, and hope.

But we also want to promote the life that exists beyond the bounds of the murals’ two dimensions – the work is alive, and Mural Arts Month is a wonderful way to acknowledge and thank our supporters, shine a light on our artists, and reinforce the importance of art.

Mural Arts Month is a canvas onto which we can paint our aspirations, a platform to raise funds and garner support for our vital mission, and an opportunity to shed light on the crucial issues we address both at Mural Arts and in our beloved city. Moreover, it presents a chance to introduce new audiences to our work, welcome fresh donors into our community, and amplify the voices of the artists we hold dear.

This year’s Mural Arts Month will explore the theme “The Power of Commitment” and reflect on the power and significance of art while also inviting joy, laughter, and a sense of community.

Let us come together as a vibrant community united by our shared passion for art and the transformative power it holds. Together, we will create an unforgettable experience that will not only beautify, inspire, and empower but also leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Philadelphia. That’s our commitment to you.

With profound excitement and unwavering dedication,

Jane Golden

Executive Director

Find out about Mural Arts Month 2023 Events here.

Mural Arts Month photos from the past

Legendary design unveiling and celebration at the future site of the mural, October 27, 2012. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Legendary design unveiling and celebration at the future site of the mural, October 27, 2012. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Micro to Macro dedication, October 10, 2014. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Contemplation, Clarity, Resilience dedication, October 28, 2016. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Arts Philadelphia rebrand launch party, October 13, 2016. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Arts Philadelphia rebrand launch party, October 13, 2016. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Ursula Rucker, SWOON & Friends Poetry Reading Painted Bride, October 14, 2016. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Arts Month kickoff party at Swanson Walk, September 30, 2016. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Arts Month kickoff party at Swanson Walk, September 30, 2016. Photo by Steve Weinik.
In the Fall of 2018, To the Polls featured ten large-scale temporary mural installations at 440 North 10th Street. The work was intended to excite the electorate and explore their reasons for voting. Curated by Conrad Benner, the Philadelphia-based artists included Loveis Wise, Wit López,, Willis “Nomo” Humphrey, Nilé Livingston, Marisa Velázquez-Rivas, YOMI, Blur, Joe Boruchow, Alloyius Mcilwaine, and Busta. Photo by Steve Weinik.
In the Fall of 2018, To the Polls featured ten large-scale temporary mural installations at 440 North 10th Street. The work was intended to excite the electorate and explore their reasons for voting. Curated by Conrad Benner, the Philadelphia-based artists included Loveis Wise, Wit López,, Willis “Nomo” Humphrey, Nilé Livingston, Marisa Velázquez-Rivas, YOMI, Blur, Joe Boruchow, Alloyius Mcilwaine, and Busta. Photo by Steve Weinik.
In the Fall of 2018, To the Polls featured ten large-scale temporary mural installations at 440 North 10th Street. The work was intended to excite the electorate and explore their reasons for voting. Curated by Conrad Benner, the Philadelphia-based artists included Loveis Wise, Wit López,, Willis “Nomo” Humphrey, Nilé Livingston, Marisa Velázquez-Rivas, YOMI, Blur, Joe Boruchow, Alloyius Mcilwaine, and Busta. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Arts Month 2018 press conference at Dreams, Diaspora, and Destiny by King Britt and Josh Mays. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Capital of the World: A Photo Retrospective opening, September 28, 2022. Photo by Troy Bynum.
Mural Capital of the World: A Photo Retrospective opening, September 28, 2022. Photo by Troy Bynum.
Mural Mingle with Arden Bendler Browning, October 6, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Mingle with Donna Grace Kroh and Rachael Reyes Vasquez, October 13, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Month banners, 2022. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.
Mural Arts Fest at Love Park, October 22, 2022. Photo by Erin Blewett.