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

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.