Sep 20, 2023

25th Annual Mural Arts Month 2023 Theme and Happenings Announced at Kick-off Event at LOVE Park

by: Jenny Donnelly Johnson

Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

I think about the power of art all the time and how the commitment of artists and their works is truly a binding force that can transform societies. We hope our community and visitors will join us this October to witness first-hand the profound results such commitment generates.

- Jane Golden

On Tuesday, September 19, on a beautiful crisp morning in LOVE Park, Mural Arts, alongside presenting sponsor TD Bank, announced our 25th Annual Mural Arts Month celebration this October, unveiling the 2023 theme: The Power of Commitment. The press conference included the dedication of a Mural Arts Month mini-mural by artist Donna Grace Kroh and a preview of the month-long celebration with happenings for all ages and interests. 

This year’s theme, The Power of Commitment, resonates with Mural Arts’ unswerving devotion to providing transformative experiences and fostering progressive discourse in the City of Philadelphia. Through participatory public art that beautifies, advocacy that inspires, and educational programming and employment opportunities that empower, Mural Arts enhances the vibrancy and inclusivity of the city. The commitment of artists reflected in their creations, has not only uplifted and transformed communities but has also solidified Philadelphia’s esteemed reputation as the “Mural Capital of the World.” The theme is a testament to Mural Arts’ enduring role as a catalyst for economic stimulus, inspiring community change, and empowering individuals throughout Philadelphia. 

Emceed by Chad Eric Smith, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management at Mural Arts, the event featured remarks by Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, Karyn B. DiMattia, Head of US Brand and Creative at TD Bank – 2023 Mural Arts Month presenting sponsor, as well as Sheila Hess, City of Philadelphia Representative, who delivered an official Proclamation from Mayor Kenney naming October as Mural Arts Month. 

In addition, we heard from several of our Festival partners, including Stefanie Arcangelo, Interim Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania, who put a spotlight on Sickle Cell Awareness Month and where people can find resources from the Red Cross during Mural Arts Month events and happenings.  

Francesca Galarus, Co-owner of Mural City Cellars, was on hand to unveil their new 2022 Mural Arts Red Wine, made from  100% Chambourcin grapes, a local varietal that grows just over the bridge in Swedesboro, NJ.  Branded with the artwork created by Donna Grace Kroh for Festival, the winery will sell the Mural Arts Month-themed wine throughout the month, donating 15% per bottle for every sale to Mural Arts. 

Artist Donna Grace Kroh was on hand to complete her Mural Arts Month mural and to officially dedicate the artwork, which will remain on display at LOVE Park throughout the month.  She talked about her inspiration for the piece and how it reflected the theme  The Power of Commitment.

Chad Eric Smith shared details about the many events and happenings coming up in Mural Arts Month. Highlights include Mural Arts Fest, a FREE, family-friendly block party on Saturday, September 30 from noon to 6pm which will explore the theme “For the Love of Hip-Hop,” and will include six mini-mural installations called Painting the Party!  

On October 20 – 21 our Mural Arts Institute is hosting Created, Together, a two day national symposium which brings together artists and creatives working with communities to help build their capacity to sustain community-driven public art projects.

Mural Dedications include a new mural focused on Climate Justice on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 4 pm. Entitled Climate Justice in Lenapehoking, this expansive mural illustrates past and present injustices. It offers a hopeful vision for the future and was created in partnership with many, many community collaborators.

The Art Education program will unveil the new design of its Murals on the Move Van on October 12, 2023. Mural on the Move uses a converted Parks & Recreation van with a colorful and graphic exterior outfitted with supplies for various art-making activities throughout the city. The new design was created by artist Carolina Gomez.

The Power of Commitment will be on display. On October 18 at 11 am, we will dedicate our first mural in Camden with HopeWorks entitled Accessibility, Equity, Empowerment. The mural will be located at and in partnership with Hopeworks, a nonprofit and social enterprise dedicated to providing a positive and healing environment that propels young people to build strong futures.

Finally, curators Conrad Benner, Founder of StreetsDept.com and Darnell Schoolfield, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mural Arts Philadelphia, introduced their New Muralist Artist Talk Series happening on Wednesday evenings throughout October at Paradigm Arts Building, where mural arts enthusiast will be able to learn about the stories and artists beyond the walls.

Find out more about Mural Arts Month events here.

See photos from the kick-off event! 

  • Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Karen Smith drummers performed at Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Board Chair Julia Fleischner and Rec Crew Project Manager Brian Campbell at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Chad Eric Smith, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management emceed the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Executive Director Jane Goldens speaks at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • City Representative Sheila Hess presents Jane Golden with a City Proclamation for Mural Arts Month at the Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas speaks at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • City Councilmember Mark Squilla speaks at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Lead sponsor TD Bank's Head of US Brand and Creative Karyn B. DiMattia speaks at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Stefanie Arcangelo, Interim Regional CEO American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania speaks at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Francesca Galarus, co-owner, Mural City Cellars unveils the new Mural Arts Red Wine at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Darnell Schoolfield, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mural Arts, and Conrad Benner, founder of StreetsDept.org, talk about their New Muralists: A Philly Artist Talk Series at Paradigm Arts Building as part of the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Mural Artist Donna Grace Kroh, Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden, City Representative Sheila Hess, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management Chad Eric Smith, and TD Bank's Head of US Brand and Creative Karyn B. DiMattia celebrate at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management Chad Eric Smith, Mural Artist Donna Grace Kroh, and Francesca Galarus, co-owner, Mural City Cellars celebrate the unveiling of the new Mural Arts Red Wine at the Mural Arts Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Mural Artist Donna Grace Kroh unveils her mural "The Power of Commitment" at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • KG3 mobile truck on hand to celebrate at the Mural Arts Month Kick-Off press conference at Love Park, September 19, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

Last updated: Sep 21, 2023

Art in Philadelphia

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