Jane Golden has been among the most vocal individuals in Philadelphia, advocating for access to public art, writes Allison Weiss Brady for Philadelphia Style.
“I think art is like oxygen. Everybody should have it,” said Golden, executive director and founder of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
With that belief, Golden also believes that art doesn’t belong just exclusively behind the walls that the murals lay on.
Art can also speak to people on a personal level, or represent a bigger issue facing the community.
Golden loves just how diverse Philadelphia’s art scene is.
“Our cultural sector is just unmatched,” she said. “I love that we have internationally known museums and music venues, writing workshops, and incredible public art. It’s like a feast of riches.”
The year 2024 will be a big one for Mural Arts Philadelphia.
The nonprofit is currently working with Kensington-based Roberto Lugo, who will create large-scale 10-foot-tall ceramic vessels in local parks that have fallen on hard times.
In addition, they are also working with South Philadelphia visual artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, who will showcase at the Italian Market.
She is creating a vendor stand and light boxes about people’s journeys from around the world and how they came to Philadelphia.
Read more about Mural Arts Philadelphia’s place and plans in Philadelphia at Philadelphia Style.
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