Quinta Brunson to receive key to the city during mural dedication

The City of Philadelphia, alongside Mural Arts Philadelphia and ABC, recently announced that Emmy Award-winner and West Philly native Quinta Brunson will receive Philadelphia’s Key to the City from Mayor Cherelle Parker.

The honor will be a part of a mural dedication taking place on Wednesday, May 28, at Andrew Hamilton School, the elementary school Brunson attended that inspired “Abbott Elementary,” the hit comedy series of which Brunson is the showrunner, executive producer, writer and star.

“I am so grateful to be receiving the key to my hometown, Philly. This city shaped me—and now I get to give back with a mural that celebrates all it gave me. I am truly honored,” Brunson said.

Designed by local artist Athena Scott, the mural, titled “Blooming Futures,” was spearheaded by Brunson and created with input from Hamilton school students and staff whom Scott met with for inspiration. The original mural allegorizes the school as a garden, with its educators serving as dedicated caretakers of a fertile and growing student population.

“I am overwhelmed with appreciation for this opportunity from Mural Arts Philadelphia and Quinta Brunson,” says Scott. “It’s been a very rewarding experience working with Hamilton. I wanted the mural to encapsulate the spirit and the care I witnessed walking through the halls of the school, between the students and teachers. I also wanted this mural to be something inspiring not only to them, but something that can encourage continued growth in the school and in the surrounding community as well.”

Scott will speak at the dedication along with Hamilton teachers and students, and representatives from Mural Arts, Philadelphia City Council and the School District of Philadelphia. In partnership with Mural Arts and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, the event is being co-produced by the Office of the City Representative and Special Events, led by City Rep. Jazelle Jones.

Mural Arts, the nation’s largest public art program, has long been known for its dedication to arts education and uniting creatives with their communities. Mural Arts and Abbott Elementary’s shared story now comes full circle after the Philadelphia-based art program was featured in an episode of the show’s second season.