Mural Arts: The Place Where Art Meets Hope

“Where Art Meets Hope” captures the essence of what Mural Arts stands for — connection, resilience, and transformation — using art as a formidable tool to ignite positive social change.

— Jane Golden

Hope Medallions by Kala Hagopian. Photo: Steve Weinik.

With the new year beginning, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought us to this moment and envisioning the path that lies ahead. At Mural Arts, our annual themes have always served as a compass, guiding our work and shaping the stories we tell through art. This year, I am thrilled to share that our theme for 2025 is “Mural Arts: The Place Where Art Meets Hope.”

Hope is powerful. It is the quiet force that sustains us through challenges, the spark that fuels change, and the bond that unites communities. “Where Art Meets Hope” captures the essence of what Mural Arts stands for — connection, resilience, and transformation — using art as a formidable tool to ignite positive social change.

Mural Arts is a community of artists, advocates, friends, and neighbors who unite through art and art-making to create change and spark hope for a better future. As a community, we are interconnected. Our individual stories, struggles, and aspirations combine to create a collective narrative of strength and possibility. In every mural we paint and every conversation we convene, we build a sense of hope that ties the iconic past to the dynamic present and stretches toward the vibrant future.

Hope Lives Here by Arshayla Robinson. Photo: Steve Weinik.

Last year, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with the theme “Roots & Reimagination.” It was a year to honor our origins, reflect on our journey, and dream boldly about what comes next. “Where Art Meets Hope” builds on that momentum, serving as a bridge from our work in 2024 to the monumental moment awaiting us in 2026: the nation’s semiquincentennial.

In 2025, “Where Art Meets Hope” will guide us through some of our most ambitious projects yet. We are thrilled to announce exciting partnerships and collaborations that will bring this theme to life:

Athletics and Art: A groundbreaking project with Coach Dawn Staley that celebrates the intersection of sports and empowerment.
History and Art: The mural we are doing about William Still extends the important work we did with Little Giant about the 7th Ward.
Art Icons: While a large percentage of artists hired are from Philadelphia, we continue to bring wonderful artists to our city, such as Jesse Krimes, Shepard Fairey, and Mickalene Thomas
Music Legends: Celebrations featuring Questlove and Boyz II Men, two Philadelphia icons who exemplify the power of storytelling through music.
Big Partnerships: Projects with the Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Temple College of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Eagles show us the power of collaboration and how much we can accomplish working together.

Those are just some of the projects to expect in 2025, reflecting the spirit of “Where Art Meets Hope.” They spotlight diverse voices and perspectives to create a shared sense of humanity, aspiration, and optimism.

As Philadelphia prepares for the semiquincentennial in 2026, Mural Arts is helping to position Philadelphia as a hub for artistic creativity with a range of projects that reflect and represent a diverse array of artists and voices, including one large-scale work of art that welcomes the FIFA World Cup. We want to do all we can to help our city shine on the international stage.

The beauty of hope is its power to inspire. It brings us together as a community for a common purpose and vision. “Where Art Meets Hope” is more than a theme — it’s a call to action, a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we can join forces as a community committed to art and artists as a catalyst for hope and positive change.

Here’s to a year of possibility, resilience, and connection. Together, let’s invest in a brighter, more hopeful future — one mural, one story, one hope at a time.

Warmly,