October marks the start of Mural Arts Month, and in 2024, the organization (along with partner TD Bank) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary as part of the occasion.
This year, the multi-week-long activation will take on the theme of “Roots & Reimagination” and hold a variety of events spanning mural dedications, artist talks, film screenings, interactive workshops, parties, and public tours. As a release notes, each event is designed to reflect on Mural Arts’ deep-rooted heritage while boldly reimagining the future of public art in Philadelphia.
“As we continue to celebrate Mural Arts’ 40th Anniversary, we invite residents and visitors alike to both honor the past and celebrate the people and places that have contributed to making Mural Arts the largest public art program in the country with this year’s theme, Roots & Reimagination,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia in a statement. “This four-decade journey began as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network in 1984 and evolved into a dynamic public art organization that works collaboratively to transform urban spaces with works of art imbued with hope and dialogue.”
To celebrate the occasion, artist Ayiana Viviana designed a mini mural in LOVE Park inspired by the theme. The work, titled ‘A City Reimagined’, showcases Viviana’s abstract visual work and her deep engagement with themes of reimagination and community.
“Art helps me connect with my roots and process my experiences, allowing me to dig deep and nurture what is positive while letting go of what’s not,” Viviana says in a statement. “Being part of Mural Arts’ celebration is affirming. It connects my past with the vibrant public art that shaped my appreciation for art.”
Some fan favorites for Mural Arts Month 2024 include special walking and trolley tours and a block party at LOVE Park titled Mural Arts Fest.
With the tours, Philadelphians can choose between the Masterpieces East Trolley Tour (Oct. 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m.) the Mural Mile Walking Tour featuring Artist Perspective By Marian Bailey (Oct. 13, 2 to 3 p.m.), Mural Mile Center City Walking Tours (Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 20, 26 and 27, various times), or, rotating neighborhood tours of South Street, Bella Vista, Spring Garden, and Center City West offered at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays into December.
There’s also a free event titled the “To the Polls Discussion followed by Mural Miles Monthly Run” on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. With this event, locals can join Mural Miles for a mix of fitness and art education featuring Conrad Benner, (Streets Dept.) Each month, Mural Miles leads a group run with unique routes that visit murals around Philadelphia and participants stop at each one along the way to discuss the stories behind them (more information can be found on Mural Miles’ Instagram.)
Mural Arts Fest on the other hand will kick off this Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1 to 6 p.m. The event, hosted by 100.3 WRNB’s Queen Yaszy B, will feature music, food and hands-on activities, including live painting of mini murals entitled “To the Polls” to rally Philadelphia around civic participation through the act of voting. The bi-annual, non-partisan mural project comes from Benner and will feature artists Jeffy Thomas, Serena Saunders, Isabella Akhtarshenas, Alloyius Mcilwaine, Nicole Nikolich, aka Lace In The Moon, and Hawk Krall.
As a release notes, the Fest will also host a vendor marketplace where local small businesses, organizations, and creatives can showcase and sell their merchandise. Plus, locals who attend can check out a live podcast taping of the ‘Graves to Gardens Podcast’, an interactive activation by Black Hippie Art, and more fun activations spearheaded by each of Mural Art’s departments.
Other highlights for Mural Arts Month 2024 include a new mural-themed sparkling rosé in partnership with Mural City Cellars, a partnership with the American Red Cross working to shine a light on Sickle Cell Awareness, plus, dedications and activities—including a Jill Scott Tribute Mural at Girls High, a tribute mural honoring CB Kimmins, and Philly’s first permanent voting mural. A full schedule of activities, activations and workshops is available online.
The occasion will end with a Closing Reception at Rec Philly on Oct. 26. From 8 p.m. to midnight, attendees can meet and interact with board members, directors, artists and employees in a celebratory setting.
To learn more about Mural Arts Month 2024, visit muralarts.org
