"I mean, we've turned Philly into an outdoor gallery and museum," said Jane Golden, Director of the Mural Arts program.
Mural Arts Program director, Jane Golden, says the time has come to make the stories that are told in Philadelphia's many fascinating murals available to everyone.
"I think that murals send a special message to the people. I think when you drive south on Broad Street, you see something that stands out and says, Broad Street, you're alive," said Golden.
The Iconic Images collection includes 47 of hundreds of murals that exist throughout the city, each capturing Philadelphia's unique African American experience.
It is highlighted by an interactive education website, featuring the voices of scholars, artists...and local black community leaders.
"If you are a kid now, you don't know the stories from the 60's, you don't know the stories of the 50's or the 70's, so you really have to find ways of getting these stories told," explained Adrienne Whaley.
"As an artist, I go into these neighborhoods, and I'm helping these communities sort of express their voice," said Mural Artist, Ernel Martinez.
1,900 children participate in the Mural Arts program.
"When they walk by and see these murals in their community and drive by in their cars, and on the bus, it is really something to feel proud of that they have contributed," says Lisa Nutter, Mayor Nutter's wife.
And it is much more than an African American story.
"It is a universal story. It's about peoples' hopes and dreams and struggles and aspirations. In fact, I often think that murals connect us all to what makes us human," said Golden.
The Iconic Images Collection is sponsored by a host of organizations, including PNC Arts Live. And 6abc is proud to be a media sponsor.
For more information go to:
http://iconic.muralarts.org/
