Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is designed to provide you with quick and comprehensive answers to the most common queries we receive. If you have a question not listed in the FAQ below, reach out to us at
WHAT IS THE MURAL ARTS INSTITUTE & WHAT DO YOU DO?
At its core, MAI is dedicated to socially-engaged art, rooted in “social practice” — the creative processes developed by artists and arts organizations to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Our practice is centered on connection: building networks, developing partnerships, and convening artists, communities, and partners to collaborate around participatory art. Additionally, MAI seeks to share skills related to the practices instrumental in our approach to creating works of public art with Philadelphians with others. We work with artists, arts administrators, and community leaders worldwide to align knowledge, amplify voices, empower change, and distribute resources.
Not necessarily. While we are headquartered in Philadelphia and hold a number of programs, classes and symposia here, we also offer remote coaching and consulting, and can design specific learning experiences for folks visiting from out of town to participate in here, or for us to deliver in your city. In the past we have run initiatives that regrant funds to help organizations in other select cities build their public art capacity. Visit our Initiatives page to learn more.
We have developed a very strong network of artists, organizations, community members, donors, government officials and more and we are happy to make suggestions for connections and offer advice to the entities and individuals with which we work. We do not connect entities directly with sponsorship dollars, however we can help steer entities to potential donors when appropriate.
Artist Opportunities & Resources
These are job postings, RFQs, RFPs, and other opportunities for artists or muralists to pursue their creative career as a muralist and/or community-based public artist. Each opportunity includes a summary, deadlines, and links to additional information if available.
They are labeled to differentiate between the opportunities requesting a portfolio of previous work (Request For Qualifications) and the opportunities that ask for a fleshed out project proposal for consideration (Request For Proposals).
Any artist who can fulfill the submission requirements (documents, examples of past murals or artwork, artist statements, etc.) is able to apply. Some opportunities may ask for specific skills, qualifications, or availability. Not all opportunities are the same. Make sure to review these.
Some opportunities posted are those provided by Mural Arts Philadelphia, and are reviewed by Mural Arts Staff. Some opportunities are provided by outside organizations, businesses, or individuals. Annual opportunities to apply for Mural Arts programs exist: the Summer Internship and the Black Artist Fellowship
ARTIST DIRECTORY
The Artist Directory includes mural artists who have either worked, trained, or partnered with Mural Arts Philadelphia or socially engaged artists within our regional community or networks elsewhere. Participation is optional and artists are invited to showcase their work in this public directory with the goal of offering them more visibility outside of MAP artsphere.
Yes! All artists are eligible to apply and selection will be based on specific requirements by the issuer of the project or opportunity
Mural Arts is committed to be a partner to all institutions in the philadelphia arts ecosystem, for that reason, we are limiting opportunities posted on our website to those directed towards muralists/community engaged practitioners, other opportunities, like artist calls, residencies, etc. are posted by other Philadelphia artist resource websites. Here is a list of what we share:
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- Calls for muralists/community engagement practices (RFQ/RFP)
- Job opportunities for muralists/community engagement practices
- Private requests looking for muralists/community engagement practices
TRAININGS REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Head to our Training page for an in depth look on how to apply for upcoming training sessions offered.
All offered training opportunities are available to everyone 18+.
Please send a detailed email with all of your information to institute@muralarts.org
CONSULTING
We provide both in-person and virtual consultation services. Visit the Consulting page for detailed information on how to book with us.
The Mural Arts Institute is supported by a skilled and diverse team of consultants who are here to assist you. Visit our About page to meet the full team.
