Hope Back to Kensington - Mural Arts Philadelphia Mural Arts Philadelphia

Community procession with Jose Ortiz-Pagan around McPherson Library and along E Indiana Avenue. Co-created with Kensington neighbors, this celebratory event provided space to reflect on hope and the future as a community, June 10, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

Jose Ortiz-Pagan, a visual artist and cultural administrator born in Puerto Rico and currently based in Philadelphia, engaged in weekly workshops with 10 to 12 community members living along Indiana Avenue to develop this project. These engaging sessions revolved around the themes of radical hope and memories, encouraging participants to explore their imagination and envision themselves in acts of celebration. Utilizing Hope Park as an anchor for inspiration, the group collectively shaped the concept for this final program, emphasizing unity, transformation, safety, and respect.

The Summoning of Memory Project’s “Hope Back to Kensington” event promises to be a memorable and transformative experience for the Kensington community.

“This celebration will foster a sense of hope, connection, and empowerment among residents through art, music, and communal participation,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “We hope Philadelphians from all over the city join us and experience the collective power of memory and celebrate the future of Kensington.”