Chronicles of a Cultural Connector by Brett T Mapp Chapter 72 25 Years of Mural Arts Month

“Talking isn’t doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well, and yet words are not deeds.”

-William Shakespeare

Dear Readers,

While I would never contest the wisdom of The Bard of Avon, in the year 2023, words have become deeds. Today, there is nothing more potent than Word of Mouth, particularly for our struggling performing arts organizations. As many of you are aware, audiences have been slow to return to live shows, and our local nonprofit arts organizations are grappling with this challenge.

I embarked on this journey years ago, starting this newsletter as my small contribution to spreading the Word of Mouth about what I wanted to witness and experience in our beloved city. The inaugural newsletter was all about the Fringe Arts shows I planned to attend. I've endeavored to compile a list of events and happenings I'm aware of, keeping my newsletter as straightforward as possible. However, it's worth noting that this endeavor demands both time and resources. Yet, it's a labor of love.

During the pandemic and the ongoing recovery, I took a brief hiatus, but I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back and seeking your assistance. What are you excited about seeing or experiencing in our cultural landscape? What should this Cultural Connector discuss? Perhaps more importantly, what's the hot topic of discussion in your circles?

If you're reading this, it's clear you share my passion for arts and culture in Philadelphia. Now, more than ever, it's crucial for all of us to transform our words into deeds and employ the power of Word of Mouth to discuss the shows we've seen and those we plan to see.

Please don't hesitate to reach out via email or connect with me at The Chronicles of a Cultural Connector. Your insights and contributions are invaluable to the vibrant arts and culture scene we cherish.

I would like to share a brief story about my history in Philadelphia. 25 years ago, I was a small business owner on South Street (Inferno). At that time, I had just purchased a house in the Italian Market, and Bill Clinton was serving as the President. It was a vibrant era for the arts in Philadelphia. The American Music Theater Festival had just won a Barrymore for Best Musical with their production of Band in Berlin. Approximately half a dozen theater companies were founded during that period, many of which continue to contribute to our artistic landscape today. Interestingly, it was also the inaugural Mural Arts Month celebration, back when the organization was known as the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network.

One of the proudest accomplishments of my life has been my service on the Mural Arts Board for over a decade. It fills me with immense pride to have played a small part in the growth of this organization, contributing to Philadelphia's rise as the Mural Capital of the World. Philadelphia has a unique quality, where often the most ardent admirers and proudest supporters of the city are those who chose to move here. The Mural Arts program is an invaluable treasure, although regrettably, many people take it for granted. I am eagerly looking forward to celebrating 25 years of Mural Arts Month and soon, the remarkable 40-year journey of this incredible program.

October 2023 marks the 25th Annual Mural Arts Month, presented by TD Bank! The theme this year, ‘The Power of Commitment,’ encapsulates Mural Arts Philadelphia’s nearly four-decade-long dedication to positively transforming our community. They have collaborated with thousands of artists to create approximately 4,000 murals, each serving as more than just a beautification project—they’re catalysts for meaningful dialogue and change in the City of Philadelphia.

The commitment of artists is visible in every brushstroke, uplifting communities and cementing Philadelphia’s status as the ‘Mural Capital of the World.’ There theme, brought colorfully to life by artist Donna Grace Kroh, celebrates Mural Arts as a tireless cultivator in the garden of society, sowing the seeds of inspiration and nurturing future leaders until they unfurl their petals as agents of creative change. Please visit MURAL ARTS for more information and see a daily schedule of events below.

MURAL ARTS MONTH 2023: Social Events: 9/30 Mural Arts Fest: For the Love of Hip-Hop 10/5 Adaire Mural Dedication 10/6 Tacony LAB 6th Anniversary 10/7 Climate Justice Mural Dedication 10/12 Murals on the Move 10/17 Tilden Mural Dedication 10/18 Digital Divide Mural Dedication (Hopeworks) 10/21 A Community Revisited 10/24 Christy Mural Dedication 10/26 Know The Elements (50 Years of Hip Hop) Dedication Artist Talks: 10/4 New Muralists: A Philly Artist Talk Series 10/11 New Muralists: A Philly Artist Talk Series 10/14 New Muralists: A Philly Artist Talk Series 10/18 New Muralists: A Philly Artist Talk Series Tours: 9/30 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/1 New Bella Vistas Walking Tour 10/1 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/7 Artist Talk with Meg Saligman & Center City East Tour 10/7 New for Fall '23: Photography Course & Walking Tour 10/7 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/8 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/8 South of South Walking Tour 10/14 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/14 Spring Into the Arts Walking Tour 10/15 Masterpieces East Trolley Tour 10/15 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/21 Center City West Walking Tour 10/21 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/22 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/22 South of South Walking Tour 10/28 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/29 Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour 10/29 Spring Into the Arts Walking Tour Tour Info Created, Together. The Mural Arts Institute is proud to announce "Created, Together: A National Assembly for Artists Working with Communities" A two-day national public art symposium more info HERE

On the Map October 2023:

Closes 10/8: Disposable Bodies Noises Off Tartuffe Closes 10/15: Bonez Closes 10/21: Major Barbara Negro Ensemble Company Closes 10/22: Assassins Bazzar The Mystery of Irma Vep Closes 10/28: No Exit Closes 11/5: Les Blancs (The Whites) Closes 11/12: Camp Siegfried Closes 11/19: Selling Kabul Closes 11/19: What The Constitution Means To Me

Local Good Philadelphia is a 501c3 corporation that seeks to help people in the Philly area by providing micro-grants up to $500 on a rolling monthly basis. Our goal at Local Good is to create a collective of giving partners that are engaged in the giving process and that through this process our partners gain empathy and understanding for those who live in our community. DONATE HERE