The Evolution of Murals: From Graffiti to Community Art

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This chapter explores the transformation of murals and street art in Philadelphia over the past fifty years, highlighting the shift from negative perceptions of graffiti to its celebration as a vital part of community heritage. It discusses significant programs and specific murals that embody this change, illustrating the impact of public art on local culture and identity. The narrative also considers the challenges of funding, gentrification, and the role of social media in shaping contemporary mural landscapes.

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