Supporting Our Community During COVID-19

We’re all in this together.

For 35 years, Mural Arts Philadelphia has transformed communities by working with them to create the beautiful, participatory outdoor art gallery that Philadelphia has become known for. The recent COVID-19 outbreak is unprecedented and has forced us to adapt and find new ways to engage with each other while social distancing is in play. We, like most others, are still adjusting to this change, and hope that the suggestions below grant you comfort and creativity as we continue to connect to our communities from a distance.

Be sure to check the Mural Arts COVID-19 page for updated information on events and closures.

Looking for volunteer opportunities? The City of Philadelphia has a service to match you with the perfect volunteer position. Check it out now!

Support Local Artists & Businesses

Buy gift cards for local businesses or put in a deposit on future work from artists to help support them. As storefronts and events shutter, we all feel the impact, but can still contribute.

• Take a virtual tour of muralist Eric Okdeh’s work across the globe
• See what SWOON is working on in the studio
• Jim Houser’s colorful work will brighten your day and add character to your walls
• Plan a dynamic project with Amber Art + Design
• Pick up your new signature piece from Ikire Jones immaculate clothing collection.
• Open House has work from local artists on its shelves and the perfect gift for someone special
• The Center for Art in Wood‘s online shop is packed with home goods, jewelry, books, and, of course, art!
• Prefer to transport your walls over to the darker side? Arch Enemy Arts is stocked with limited-edition macabre and surrealist prints
• Paradigm Gallery + Studio features local and international contemporary artists for those at any stage in their art collection

Don’t Stockpile!

There are lots of people who need masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and other protective gear for their day-to-day jobs as well as people who are particularly at risk. Think of keeping these resources available for those in most need when the urge to stockpile kicks in.

You can keep your home clean and safe without overbuying. This post from Apartment Therapy lists helpful tips to keep in mind as you prepare your home.

Already given in to the urge? Donate your extra materials to a medical facility.

Donate to a Food Pantry or Shelter

If you are able, donate to your local food pantry. With so many people living in or on the edge of poverty, food insecurity is already a daily event. Business closures mean our social systems will be even more important.

Philabundance is a reliable resource for anyone in need.

Check in on your Loved Ones

It can be tempting to lock yourself away, but do check in to make sure your loved ones and neighbors have everything they need to ride out a quarantine. Especially in times of crisis, we are all in this together.

#PhillyFromHome

Join us as we #VisitFromHome the many innovative Philadelphia institutions whose operations are impacted.

• The Free Library of Philadelphia online database is accessible anywhere and includes ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more.
• Now seems like a good time to go down the rabbit hole of the Rare Book Department.
• Be transported by a virtual tour of the dazzling Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens!
• Eastern State Penitentiary offers an online virtual & educational tour of its building.
• Check out Streets Dept‘s blog and podcast for interviews and features on streets artists from Philadelphia and across the country!
• Learn from home with your kids (or just for yourself) on the Franklin Institute blog and YouTube channel which are both packed everything from astronomy, to history to scientific oddities!
• Go back in time with the Penn Museum online collections of historical artifacts.
• The Rosenbach has an incredible collection of fine art, ceramics, and literature.
• The Reading Terminal Market has been deemed an essential service (obviously) and is open for grocery shopping in-person or delivery.

You can also enjoy Philly’s famous outdoor mural gallery from the comfort of your home!

Are you an artist that needs additional support? This list has tons of resources for freelance artists including general preparation tips, emergency funding, online platforms, and more in response to COVID-19.