Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges of understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.”
Mural Arts is seeking a Director to lead the work of its nationally recognized Restorative Justice Program. Restorative justice is an alternative to traditional means of rehabilitation and punishment. It brings together offenders, victims, and community members, focusing on conversation and understanding as the first steps on the path to healing.
The Restorative Justice Program accomplishes these goals through an interconnected series of activities, including: high profile public art projects examining topics of critical relevance to the justice system; art workshops at state and local prisons; a four to six month re-entry program in which participants learn skills, apprentice on public art projects, and receive job training and placement support; and peer mentorship and continuing support for re-entry graduates. The program also facilitates public events, symposia, and exhibitions designed to foster dialogue about key issues and offer a platform to underrepresented voices within the system. All of these efforts are led in deep collaboration with the City of Philadelphia and a vast network of partners.