Mural Arts Philadelphia has always supported artists, whoever they may be and wherever they may be from.
Being an organization that believes “art ignites change,” Mural Arts has time after time commissioned meaningful works sometimes during precarious times in society, and that’s exactly what they will be doing with their latest offering. The organization’s Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists recently launched, and they will be accepting applications until June 26.
Mural Arts released a statement saying: “As a public arts organization with over 35 years of experience creating works of art across Philadelphia, we recognize that we have a platform and a responsibility to create space for and act as a reliable resource to the Black community.”
Utilizing that platform is exactly why MA has earned its reputation as not only being the nation’s largest public art program but also helping the City of Brotherly Love itself earn international recognition as the “City of Murals.” The art-based group has always used its services to complete it’s core mission of inspiring changes in people, places and practices while simultaneously creating an opportunity for a more just and equitable Philadelphia. That sentiment rings very true with the Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists.
According to the release, The Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists can support 20 artists of any medium with $250 in funding, the opportunity to share work across Mural Arts channels and connection to a network of local and international artists. Awardees will also receive dedicated evaluative sessions with Rush Arts Philadelphia, HAHA Magazine and StreetsDept.com to discuss individual needs and methods of support.
Applications will be available through Mural Arts website until June 26 and winners will be contacted by July 10 of this year to learn if they have received the Fellowship.
Mural Arts is also accepting applications on a rolling basis for another initiative at this time. The Community Artist Application: Porch Light and the Kensington Hub is a partnership between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services.
According to the official website, Porch Light Community Artists will offer visitors a free program or programs where they will be able to reflect on their experiences, build relationships with their neighbors and learn how to make art. Mural Arts is especially interested in public engagement that uses art to help participants cope with and recover from trauma. Out of this public engagement, Community Artists will create a work of public art in Kensington based on their community engagement, with the aim of improving and beautifying the neighborhood. It’s also stated that with this program, artists will engage the community in ways that encourage individual creativity, improve health and wellness, create community connection and also provide 10 consecutive weekly workshops once the storefront has reopened (based on city recommendations).
To learn more information about Mural Arts Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists and the Porch Light Community Artists, visit muralarts.org
