Shine Space

Shinique Smith worked with students participating in the Mural Arts Art Education program to create a mural-based amphitheater that will function as a venue for student performances. In her own words: “I want to create a mural on the wall and on the ground of a playground or recreational center in Philadelphia. The artwork served as a backdrop and stage for interaction with Philadelphia youth wherein these teens may plan and/or participate in events that give them a forum to share their creative voices through poetry and spoken word, among their peers.”

This project was part of Open Source, a citywide exhibition that brought 14 extraordinary artists from around the world to Philadelphia. They worked with Mural Arts Philadelphia and guest curator Pedro Alonzo to create a new series of public artworks that explore and illuminate Philadelphia’s diverse urban identity.