Mural Art for Social Change
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program [1]
The mission statement of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program unites artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. [2]
Furthermore, their golden rule is [2]
When we create art with each other and for each other, the force of life can triumph.
The following is their Palette of Core Values, which express the heart of art for social change [2]:
- Art Ignites Change: Art heals, art unites, and art changes minds in a convincing fashion. Art drives the agenda. Great art is never silent, can't be ignored, and serves poorly the status quo.
- Stories Must be Told: The sublime power of narrative drives our lives. Stories well told will shine transformative light into dark corners.
- We Beats Me: It's simple. We work in conspiring teams whose goal is gestalt. Everything we do is by and for the community. > * There's no "I" in mural.
- It Ain't About the Paint: What we do is deceptively complex. What drives us is the opportunity to help life triumph over the forces of despair. We just happen to be good at painting murals.
- Make Promises and Keep Them: We're an antsy bunch, and proactively committed to the commitment to be proactive. When we walk into a room, we walk in ready to make great things happen. And when we say we will, we will.
- Take Turns: There is no such thing as not my job. We expect to take on unexpected burdens when it's our turn to do so.
- Think Deeply, Create Fearlessly: The surface is something to get beyond. And because we have each other's back, we go beyond in bold fashion.
- Expect Permission / Ask Forgiveness: Bureaucracy has its place. Just not in our mindset.
- The Biggest Risk May Be Not Taking It: Why look back on a life not lived? We see our chances and we take 'em.
- Art Is An Economic Engine: This is not art for art's sake. Our institutional wisdom and intellectual property have value, add value, and are valuable. There's no shame in earning fair compensation for unique professional expertise.
- Yo, This is Fun!: We're from Philly. We're for Philly. And we're having a hell of a good time.
For additional information, go to Outsider Art for Social Change.