Apply for a Mural

The Mural Arts Program started in 1984 as a component of the Anti-Graffiti Network. As part of this city-wide initiative to eradicate graffiti and address neighborhood blight, the Anti-Graffiti Network hired mural artist Jane Golden to reach out to graffiti writers, redirecting their energies from destructive graffiti to constructive mural painting. In 1996, the City of Philadelphia recognized MAP as a separate program, distinct from the Anti-Graffiti Network. At the same time, the Mural Arts Program established a non-profit, the Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates, with a broad mission of youth development and neighborhood revitalization through the arts. In recent years, MAP has evolved into a nationally recognized public/private initiative engaging diverse groups of youth, artists and neighborhoods in the creation of art.

The Mural Arts Program is a public art program serving the city of Philadelphia that works in partnership with communities, grassroots organizations, city agencies, schools, and philanthropies to achieve the following goals:

Develop sustainable partnerships with community organizations in order to create murals that reflect the community’s culture, history, and vision
Catalyze community empowerment, neighborhood beautification, and civic pride
Foster youth development through experiential art education and mentorship with professional artists
Support artists in sharing their talents and experiences with youth and communities in Philadelphia
Use the power of art to bring hope to marginalized communities such as the homeless, incarcerated individuals, and adjudicated youth

The average mural on a row house costs $15,000 and takes 8-10 weeks to paint. Given the large number of murals we paint each year, budgetary realities and our commitment to making murals a meaningful part of youth and community development, we are now requiring that ALL murals go through a competitive selection process.

The purpose of this letter is to let you know how you and/or your community group can request a mural and the process we will be using to decide what murals we paint each year.

Important Application Information:

The deadline for 2012 mural applications has passed. All applications received now will be included in the Autumn of 2012 review.
An information session will be held in September where interested applicants can get assistance with their proposals. Sign up for the newsletter to receive details.
Mural requests are accepted throughout the year; however, all applications will be reviewed at the established deadline indicated above.
THERE IS NO WAITING LIST! Unless you have heard from the Mural Arts Program in writing that you are receiving a mural based on a past application, you must submit a new application in order for your mural request to be reconsidered.

Electronic Mural Application Form