7 Can’t-Miss Things to See During Mural Arts Month 2016

Y’all, October is Mural Arts Month and this year’s line-up of events and installations is freaking INCREDIBLE! So incredible, in fact, that (full disclosure!) I’ve decided to work with Mural Arts to host a walking tour of their soon-to-be Spring Arts Mural District. More on that below!

The month kicks off with four BIG mural unveilings by Steve (ESPO) Powers, Joe Boruchow, Isaac T Lin, and Peter Ferrari (mural pictured above) and a party at the brand-spanking-new Murals at Swanson Walk in South Philly this Friday:

1) The Mural Arts Month Kickoff Party
WHEN: Friday, SEPT 30th from 6–10pm
WHERE: Snyder Avenue and Swanson Street
Mural Arts Month 2016 kicks off with a night of art and magic to celebrate the Murals at Swanson Walk: four new murals in South Philadelphia’s Snyder Plaza, part of a partnership with the Goldenberg Group. Enjoy DJ music and dancing to music from a group of Philly DJ legends, past and present: DJ Cash Money, Cosmo Baker, Gun$ Garcia, and DJ Royale. Also look forward to great food from Philly’s premiere food trucks, and live performances from Circadium. FREE, with $5 suggested donation.

2) The ‘Mind Over Media’ Panel Discussion with Shinique Smith and Derrick Adams
WHEN: Sunday, OCT 2nd from 3–4:30pm
WHERE: Barnes Foundation
Who tells our stories? And what details are most likely to get left behind on the cutting room floor? Join artists Shinique Smith and Derrick Adams as they explore the ins and outs of mass media, content creation, and how to add artist and student perspectives to national discussions around race, youth, and media. FREE.

3) The One-Night-Only Installation ‘Unsung’ at the Rail Park
WHEN: Friday, OCT 7th from 6–10:00pm
WHERE: 11th and Carlton Streets
Innovative venues deserve innovative art. This fall, Mural Arts is partnering with Friends of the Rail Park and the American Composers Forum, Philadelphia Chapter, to repurpose an old train trestle into a bustling public commons and an unusual venue for public art. Sound artist and composer Nadia Botello and video artists Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib will intertwine sound and imagery in a one-night-only installation on First Friday, inside the tunnel at 11th and Carlton Streets, inspired by the history of the surrounding neighborhood. FREE.

4) The Asian Arts Initiative Block Party
WHEN: Saturday, OCT 8th from 1–5pm
WHERE: 1200 block of Pearl Street
Check out the thriving scene on Pearl Street with this fun and family-friendly block party hosted by the Asian Arts Initiative. Explore crafty and creative arts activities appropriate for kids and adults alike, and don’t miss out on browsing through the pop-up shop staffed by talented students from Mural Arts’ Artrepreneurs initiative. FREE.

5) My Spring Arts PHL Walking Tour and the Spring Arts PHL Opening Reception
WALKING TOUR
WHEN: Saturday, OCT 8th from 4–5pm
WHERE: Starts at 990 Spring Garden
TICKETS: $5, click here to purchase!
Wend your way through the Spring Arts District with street art blogger Conrad Benner (of the famed Streets Dept blog). Discover behind-the-scenes stories of the artists and their work, and get a sneak peek of upcoming Spring Arts District. And don’t forget to pause for some gorgeous ‘gram-able moments!

OPENING RECEPTION
WHEN: Saturday, OCT 8th from 5–7pm
WHERE: 990 Spring Garden
The Spring Arts District, a collaboration with Arts + Crafts Holdings, is Mural Arts’ first rotating gallery, located in the post-industrial Callowhill North Neighborhood. The inaugural participating artists making murals in the district—Kid Hazo, Ryan Beck, Miriam Singer, Andrew Jeffrey Wright, Hawk Krall, and Martha Rich—will be featured in this special exhibition that highlights their creative portfolios. FREE.

6) The Mural Arts + J2 Design ‘A First Look at a Fresh Look’ Rebranding Tour
WHEN: Thursday, OCT 13th from 6–9pm
WHERE: 990 Spring Garden
Ever want to leave your mark on the city? Mural Arts’ new brand, created with J2 Design, invites you to share your vision. Professionals and members of the public will get a behind-the-scenes tour of what it takes to rebrand a legendary organization: the up and downs, unseen designs and narratives, collaboration, and trust. Jane Golden and J2 Principals Alan Jacobson & Brian Jacobson will facilitate an engaging discussion with other members of the Mural Arts and J2 Design teams. Throughout the night, we’ll be asking for artistic contributions, so be prepared to flex your creative muscles. A DesignPhiladelphia Featured Event. FREE, but need to register.

7) The ‘Roots and Risk’ muraLAB Live
WHEN: Thursday, OCT 18th from 6:30–8:30pm
WHERE: Prince Theater
TICKETS: $5, click here to purchase!
At Mural Arts Philadelphia, risk is in our roots. Since our early days, over three decades ago, we’ve never turned away from a challenge or given up on our mission of creating meaningful, collaborative public art. We take pride in our innovative and democratic process, which includes our neighbors at every turn and uplifts their dreams and stories. Join us for the 2016 iteration of our annual muraLAB Live event, featuring artists, performers, and speakers who exemplify the intersection of roots and risk: Jon Rubin, Tayarisha Poe, Jesse Krimes, Catzie Vilayphonh, Rocco Albano, and more.