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Who we are
As part of Mural Arts Philadelphia , the Mural Arts Institute (MAI) is dedicated to sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences that have shaped our approach to community centered art making. We work with artists, arts administrators, and community leaders across the world to align knowledge, amplify voices, empower change, and distribute resources that move us all towards a more inclusive and equitable future for socially engaged public art.
As part of Mural Arts Philadelphia , the Mural Arts Institute (MAI) is dedicated to sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences that have shaped our approach to community centered art making. We work with artists, arts administrators, and community leaders across the world to align knowledge, amplify voices, empower change, and distribute resources that move us all towards a more inclusive and equitable future for socially engaged public art.
MAI Spotlight
Defining Community
New Video Resource! Defining Community features interviews with public art practitioners and community organizers from Mural Arts Philadelphia about their approach to community engagement. Produced by Mural Arts Institute and Big Picture Alliance. Directed and filmed by Eli LaBan. Watch now!
New Opportunity: Heart of Kensington Creates
This initiative aims to create a series of murals, art installations, and activations along Kensington Ave between the Huntingdon Street Station and the Tioga Street Station, culminating in August 2026. Deadline January 5, 2026. Info Session December 17, 2025.
New Report: The Speed of Community: What (re)Granters Can Learn from the Strength Through Solidarity Environmental Justice Co-Learning Initiative About Supporting Frontline Organizations
Authored by Congruence Cultural Strategies, this document is written for funders, intermediaries, and re-granters—as well as grassroots organizations that are taking part in similar initiatives. It is intended to reflect on the initiative’s program design and structure such that others can learn from and build off this initiative to support environmental justice and other frontline organizations to better to advance their work using cultural interventions.
Broad Street Review Article on Impact of Murals
Read the Broad Street Review article recapping the Mural Arts Institute's October 9th symposium "Researching the Impact of Murals for Philadelphians".
Artist Spotlight: William Estrada
We've been highlighting the artist participants in the Strength through Solidarity Co-Learning Initiative. Check them out!
Artist Spotlight: De’von “Divine” Downes
We've been highlighting the artist participants in the Strength through Solidarity Co-Learning Initiative. Check them out!
Featured Artists
Arthur Haywood
Limitless Aspirations
Tulsa, OK
Arthur Haywood’s paintings highlight human potential through a fantastical lens. He creates murals internationally in addition to cover and interior art for books and magazines. Creating fantasy art to inspire
Eva Wu
Worm World
Philadelphia, PA
Eva Wu is a multimedia artist based in Philadelphia for the past decade. A versatile artist, their bold works span moving image, social practice, interactive installations, and collaborative projects. They
Martolao (Martha O’Connell)
Seeing you through the layers of time
Philadelphia, PA
Martolao (Martha O'Connell) is an artist living and working in Philadelphia. Drawing is her best form of communication. Through her large scale drawings and murals, she explores memory, the connections
Eric Okdeh
Family Interrupted
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia based muralist and glass artist, Eric Okdeh began creating public art in 1998. After receiving his BFA in painting from Tyler School of Art, Eric chose to focus on
Molly Crabapple
No Borders
Philadelphia, PA
Molly Crabapple is an artist and writer whose inspirations include Toulouse Lautrec, Diego Rivera and Goya’s ‘The Disasters of War.’ She is the co-author of Brothers of the Gun, an
Rebecca Rutstein
Convergence
Philadelphia, PA
Rebecca Rutstein is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice bridges art, science and technology. For over 20 years she has created painting, sculpture, interactive installation and public art inspired by the
