Citizens Partnership Spotlight: Mural Arts Philadelphia

By Lynnette Nicholas | Citizens Contributor

The arts provide a platform for marginalized voices and opportunities for Black communities to fuel growth. Citizens believes that partnering with organizations that align with our mission to lift people up while empowering them to thrive in their communities is very important.

That's why Citizens has proudly supported Mural Arts Philadelphia for more than two decades. Mural Arts Philadelphia is an organization that understands art has the power to heal and transform people, communities — and in some cases, an entire city.

For the last 40 years, Mural Arts Philadelphia has been on a mission to ignite change through art. Their work to transform public spaces both serves the local community and draws thousands of visitors every year — and it's the reason Philadelphia has been dubbed the Mural Capital of the World. The group is committed to ideals that unite justice and equity with creativity. Through ongoing youth arts education, public art projects, social outreach programs, art fellowships and exhibitions that include the world's largest outdoor art gallery, they empower individuals and enrich communities. In all, the group employs around 250 artists and holds over 100 public programs every year.

Empowering Black artists to make a mark

Artist empowerment is at the core of Mural Arts Philadelphia's purpose. Visual artist Amir "Amiracle" Campbell is a testament to the benefits of having access to programs like Mural Arts Philadelphia. He believes art saved his life and that art is a healer. With his business Amiracle Artistry, Campbell specializes in live painting. He feels that as an artist, it's his job to be a visual voice for the cultural landscape around him.

By mixing the worlds of fine art and street art, Campbell says he aims to "speak back to hate with a message of love" as a way of helping to cultivate unity and heal the world. He and his work truly exemplify Mural Arts Philadelphia's core values of creating art that transforms places, individuals, communities, and institutions. His most recent work is a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that was done in partnership with Citizens the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Inspired by King's speech "What's in Your Life's Blueprint?", he chose it because it underscores the need for a collective commitment to justice and equality.

In a recent interview, Campbell shared the powerful impact that Mural Arts Philadelphia has had on his life and artistry:

• Q: How did you become involved with Mural Arts Philadelphia?

  Being a part of Mural Arts Philadelphia was a lifelong aspiration of mine, rooted in admiration for their commitment to community upliftment through art. I would explore the city looking at murals in amazement, and I always felt a sense of belonging in the big picture. The defining moment materialized in 2021 when I became part of the Mural Arts Philadelphia cohort for the Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists.

• Q: What impact has working with Mural Arts Philadelphia had on your life and work as an artist?

  Being in the presence of such a great team at Mural Arts Philadelphia is what makes working with them so special. As an artist, you begin to embody the essence of the Mural Arts credo, which is "Art ignites change." The collective commitment to "Art ignites change" becomes a transformative force. The essence of Mural Arts Philadelphia, echoed in their mission statement, becomes ingrained in the artists' ethos: "Together, we create art that transforms places, individuals, communities and institutions." I feel that by working with Mural Arts Philly, I can align myself with a greater purpose.

• Q: What kinds of opportunities have you been able to access from working with Mural Arts Philadelphia?

  A myriad of opportunities blossomed from working with Mural Arts Philadelphia, such as participating in creating a mural outside the grounds of the Art Museum of Philadelphia, exhibiting at the annual Wall Ball event, networking with other artists, and being part of the Mural Arts Institute. These opportunities provided avenues for growth and exposure. The Institute's workshops on public art, civil engagement and mural application, coupled with marketing insights, enriched my artistic experience.

• Q: What kind of impact do you think Mural Arts Philadelphia has on the community?

  As you walk around the city of Philadelphia, there is a mural almost wherever you turn. The impact of Mural Arts Philadelphia on the community is chromatic and transformative. The artwork creates an environment where disconnected individuals reconnect through visual arts. The vibrant colors, diverse styles and thematic richness instill a sense of home and belonging. Coupled with art education and mural tours, Mural Arts Philadelphia integrates seamlessly into the community's ecosystem.

• Q: How has your experience with Mural Arts Philadelphia empowered your journey as a professional artist?

  I've evolved as a professional artist. The exposure, mentorship and opportunities afforded to me have sculpted not only my artistic awareness but also my capacity to positively impact others. The journey with Mural Arts Philadelphia continues to shape my narrative as an artist on an empowering trajectory. Working with Mural Arts Philadelphia has empowered me with insight into the value of public art and how it can edify communities.

Fueling initiatives that empower communities

Citizens shares in Campbell's and Mural Arts Philadelphia's dedication to restoring communities and empowering residents. We're proud to have given more than $700,000 to Mural Arts Philadelphia over the years in support of events like the annual Wall Ball, which honors local artists, activists and leaders who have enriched the community. In addition to corporate funding for Mural Arts Philadelphia and other important arts organizations, many Citizens colleagues volunteer for community paint days and support the arts with their time and talents.

Citizens believes in Mural Arts Philadelphia's mission to "inspire change in people, place and practice" to create a more just and accessible world because citizenship and service are at the heart of all that we do.