Mural Arts Program, City of Philadelphia (Philadelphia)

The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program MAP started in 1984 as a component of the Anti Graffiti Network PAGN . PAGN is a city wide initiative to eradicate destructive graffiti and address neighborhood blight. As part of this effort, PAGN hired mural artist Jane Golden to reach out to graffiti writers and redirect their energies to mural making. Mural painting not only helped these young men and women develop their artistic skills, but also empowered them to beautify their neighborhoods. In 1996, the City of Philadelphia recognized MAP as a program distinct from the Anti Graffiti Network. At the same time, the Mural Arts Program established a non profit organization, The Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates. The Advocates have a broad mission of youth development and neighborhood revitalization through the arts.