Resolution 250925

..Title Celebrating the Mural Arts Program and recognizing the month of October as Mural Arts Month in the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has produced over 4,000 murals and, for 40 years, has provided transformative experiences, fostered progressive discourse, and generated economic stimulus for the City of Philadelphia through participatory public art that beautifies neighborhoods, inspires advocacy, and creates educational and employment opportunities that empower residents; and WHEREAS, Each year, more than 10,000 residents and visitors tour Mural Arts' outdoor gallery, which has become an iconic part of Philadelphia's civic and cultural landscape; and throughout October, Mural Arts Philadelphia celebrates Mural Arts Month with mural dedications, panel discussions, community events, artist spotlights, film screenings, and tours across the City; and WHEREAS, The Community Murals Program continues to bring these projects to life by amplifying diverse voices, representing the City's cultural richness, and building social capital to empower Philadelphians to drive positive change; and WHEREAS, Recent mural dedications such as Films Shaped by a City, which highlights key films, filmmakers, and organizations that have shaped Philadelphia's film industry and El Bloque de Oro, which celebrates the City's Latino community through stories of immigration, resilience, and cultural pride; and WHEREAS, The Frances E.W. Harper mural honors the life and legacy of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a poet, orator, abolitionist, suffragist, and one of the most influential Black women of the 19th century, exemplifying Mural Arts' mission to honor those who have inspired social progress; and WHEREAS, This powerful collection of murals and the continued efforts of Mural Arts Philadelphia bring communities together, uplift neighborhoods, strengthen the local economy, and affirm Philadelphia's place as a global destination for public art; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby celebrates the Mural Arts Program and recognizes the month of October as Mural Arts Month in the City of Philadelphia. ..End