Color Me Back: South Broad Street SEPTA Concourse Tours

Mural Arts Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services dedicate two completed phases of Color Me Back: A Same Day Work and Pay Program. Phase II transformed hundreds of columns along the South Broad Street SEPTA Concourse, called Lovely Day. Phase III is a combination mosaic and paint mural in Suburban Station, called Opposing Forces.

Color Me Back is an innovative program that combines participatory art-making and access to social services in a unique model that offers individuals experiencing economic insecurity an opportunity to earn wages. Participants have the opportunity to connect, contribute, and engage with peer specialists who can link them with support services, including social and/or behavioral health services and potential opportunities for longer-term employment while working in the program. Color Me Back positions art as a catalyst for social change, where art-making becomes a path to employment, essential services, and empowerment for individuals in need.

Beginning Tuesday, October 12 through Thursday, November 18, visitors can tour the concourse for free Monday-Thursday, 12-1 pm, guided by Color Me Back program participants to tell stories of its creation.