Sponsor Spotlight: Glenmede

How does Glenmede’s commitment to Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Mural Lab Live Speaker Series impact the lives of Philadelphians? 

The speaker series is engaging and has a significant impact on the community of Philadelphia and other communities both in the U.S. and abroad. It helps spread awareness of the importance of access to art throughout the community – now a reality for Philadelphians.

How does Glenmede’s efforts to support arts and culture organizations like Mural Arts amplify community voices?

These important organizations cannot operate in a silo; they need partners to help open opportunities. Funding is one way to partner with these organizations, but more importantly so are education, networking and relationship-building. Across the board, funding has experienced a downward trend, and Glenmede wants to help fill that gap. We believe that advocacy – not just money for the program – is how to inspire the community. These programs empower people, reaching them through art in interesting and nontraditional ways that otherwise would not exist.

Why does Glenmede think the arts and culture sector is vital to the greater economy? 

Mural Arts truly raises the profile of Philadelphia, for its citizens and visitors, providing a common denominator for access to art across the city. An entire community of artists within Philadelphia are hired by Mural Arts; therefore, it is vital that this organization can employ people in the arts to help shape communities and cities. They hire people who may otherwise not have such great opportunities, giving them a launching point to build their careers.

Mural Arts believes that “Art Ignites Change.” What kind of positive social change would Glenmede like to see occur as a result of its partnership with Mural Arts?

We would love to see Mural Arts continue to do what they’re doing, but at an even higher level. It would be truly amazing to see them expand, reach additional communities and people, and raise the profile of mural arts throughout the city.