Mural Arts’ After-School Programming: Empowering Students and Healing Communities
Founded in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has transformed the city with over 4,000 murals while also empowering young minds through its after-school programs. This nonprofit not only beautifies urban landscapes but also equips students with artistic and social skills that transcend the classroom.
The Power of Public Art
Public art, especially mural creation, is more than just decoration; it’s a powerful tool for revitalizing and healing communities. Advocates believe it gives a voice to the voiceless, turning blank walls into stories of hope, resilience, and unity.
For students, the impact is even deeper. Mural Arts provides a hands-on learning experience that teaches technical art skills, digital technology proficiency with tools like tablets and digital cameras, and most importantly, builds self-confidence and teamwork.
From Graffiti Cleanup to World-Class Public Art
Mural Arts Philadelphia began as a modest program under Mayor W. Wilson Goode in 1984, with the primary goal of graffiti removal. Today, 41 years later, it stands as a beacon of artistic expression with over 4,000 murals spread across the city. This achievement has earned Philadelphia the title of “Mural Capital of the World”, according to the Philadelphia Conventions Visitors Bureau.
Among the iconic works are:
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“South Philly Musicians” in South Philadelphia, celebrating local talent.
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A mural dedicated to the Negro Baseball League in West Philly.
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Portraits of famous Philadelphians like Grover Washington Jr. and Julius “Dr. J” Erving.
Creating Pathways to Artistic Careers
“Our mission is to provide free, high-quality, out-of-school arts programming to Philadelphia’s young people, particularly in communities that have been historically underrepresented,” said Michelle Nugent, Mural Arts’ Director of Arts Education.
“We aim to foster creative expression, build artistic skills, and provide pathways for young people to pursue careers in the arts and the creative economy.”
Mural Arts serves about 2,500 students each year through its after-school programs. In 2023 alone, the nonprofit operated with a budget of $14.7 million, hired over 250 artists, hosted 18,000 participants through tours and programs, and completed 80 projects, as highlighted in its annual report.
Funding for these initiatives comes from the City of Philadelphia, the National Endowment for the Arts, and various organizations and private donors.
Blending Art with Education
Mural Arts’ curriculum goes beyond art; it integrates critical thinking, storytelling, and civic engagement. One notable initiative, Arts Integration, pairs teaching artists with in-school classroom teachers, blending artistic creativity with academic learning.
“This is a great opportunity for young people who might struggle with traditional subjects like math,” Nugent explained. “Working on artistic projects boosts their confidence and helps them explore new ways of thinking, often improving their academic performance as a result.”
Building Future Leaders Through Art
One of the most striking indicators of Mural Arts’ impact is its ability to inspire students to become educators themselves. 50% of Mural Arts students eventually become instructors, continuing the cycle of artistic empowerment.
Timell Floyd-Sherard is a living testament to this success. Now an assistant teaching artist at Mural Arts, Floyd-Sherard first joined the program as a ninth-grader at William L. Sayre High School in West Philadelphia.
“I was looking for an after-school arts program, and Mural Arts just happened to be in my high school,” Floyd-Sherard recalled. “We had a lot of activities, field trips, and visiting artists who taught us different artistic techniques.”
One of the murals he helped create as a student was at Elmwood Park in Southwest Philadelphia, which raised awareness about plastic waste pollution in the city.
At Mural Arts, Floyd-Sherard honed his skills in painting, watercolor, and marker techniques. He also developed expertise in visual arts, photography, Photoshop, and even 3D art, working with materials like popsicle sticks and balsa wood.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Eylydia Knight, a senior at Science Leadership Academy High School, is currently part of Mural Arts’ advanced class. Inspired by the program, she’s building her skills and expanding her creative vision—just like many students before her.
Through its innovative programs, Mural Arts Philadelphia continues to change lives, one mural at a time—nurturing creativity, fostering community pride, and building pathways for future artistic leaders.
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