The Evolution of Murals in a Digital Age

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This chapter examines how technology, such as QR codes and augmented reality, is transforming the mural experience while advocating for inclusivity in community mural programs. It reflects on the transient nature of murals, the role of social media in artist recognition, and the emotive power of art in raising awareness about significant issues.

Murals! Frescos! Graffiti! Street art! Philadelphia is the birthplace of graffiti and the mural capital of the world so we sit down with city historian, journalist, curator, and Toichographologist Conrad Benner to chat about public vs. private art, cultural movements, commissioned vs. um… un-commissioned murals, how mural topics are chosen, how much it costs to make a mural, where to get that money, vandalism and murals and the fine line between, and how everything you do is art. Let Philly’s history and 5,000 murals inspire you to gaze at what’s in your city and find out who made it, how you can get involved, and why it matters. Also: this episode will have a bonus Field Trip we’ll release in a week or so that will take you to a series of murals in the process of being born.

Follow Conrad on Instagram, TikTok and X

Visit his guide to Philadelphia’s public art and public space at StreetsDept.com

Donations went to the William Way LGBT Community Center and SkypeAScientist.com

Purchase a Frog Facts Advent Calendar at SquidFacts.net