Signal Boost: The INSIDE OUT/Dreamers Project

Health educator, advocate, and Dreamer Mayra Diaz (right) with a young INSIDE OUT supporter. Photo by Steve Weinik.

At Mural Arts, we were so excited when we heard that the INSIDE OUT/Dreamers project was coming to Philadelphia—a global participatory art project from artist JR, this interactive traveling truck gives everyone the opportunity to share their portrait to show support for the recently-rescinded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). The project pays tribute to the power and dignity of individuals, calling for collective action around this issue and providing a platform for organizations and individuals to speak in support of Dreamers in their communities. As professional wall-spotters, we knew we had to lend a hand.

Dreamers Speak in Philadelphia

Councilman Allan Domb, Dreamer Berenice Robles, and Dreamer Jazmin Sosa (far right) listen to Dreamer Mayra Diaz speak on the importance of DACA. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Dreamer Jazmin Sosa (far right) speaks about her personal experience and the importance of DACA. Left to right: Jane Golden, Allan Domb, Berenice Robles. Photo by Steve Weinik.

We’ve been involved in multiple projects over the years that deal with immigration policies and the undocumented experience, so this topic is close to our hearts. Back in the days of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, our History of Immigration mural on 2nd and Callowhill paid homage to centuries of immigration, showing how so many of us without native roots have ancestors who immigrated to the United States. In 2015, we did a massive wheatpaste installation with JR, the same artist behind the INSIDE OUT Project, drawing attention to the lack of mainstream conversation about real, human, individual immigrant experiences. And just recently, during our citywide Monument Lab project, we worked with local artist Michelle Angela Ortiz on Seguimos Caminando (We Keep Walking), which represented the voices of undocumented mothers detained with their children at the Berks Detention Center (in partnership with the Shut Down Berks Coalition).

We are proud to live and work in a sanctuary city, and we hope that we can continue to use our resources to support all the incredible organizations in Philadelphia that have been on the ground, doing the work to advocate for Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants. Here are just a few of the Philadelphians standing up, day after day, for this important issue:

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
GALAEI
HIAS Pennsylvania
Juntos
Pennsylvania Immigration & Citizenship Coalition (PICC)
Philadelphia New Sanctuary Movement

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

INSIDE OUT in Philadelphia, December 15–16 (18th and Sansom)

Dreamer Mayra Diaz rolls portraits for wheatpasting as part of INSIDE OUT. Photo by Steve Weinik.
The INSIDE OUT crew starts wheatpasting portraits of DACA supporters at 18th and Sansom. Photo by Steve Weinik.
The wheatpaste process for INSIDE OUT in Philadelphia, at 18th and Sansom. Photo by Steve Weinik.
The INSIDE OUT/Dreamers Project at 18th and Sansom. Photo by Steve Weinik.