Honoring, recognizing and commending the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program on its Thirtieth Anniversary for its extraordinary service and dedication as a component of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network.

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program began in 1984 and is

celebrating its Thirtieth Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The Mural Arts Program has produced over 3600 murals in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS,

The Mural Arts Program enables young men and women to take an active role in beautifying their own neighborhoods

; and

WHEREAS, The mural-making process empowers residents to tell their stories and develop culture and tradition; and

WHEREAS, The Mural Arts Program's award-winning educational program serves over 1800 youth at neighborhood sites; and

WHEREAS, The Mural Arts Program engages thousands of Philadelphia's at-risk children, youth and adults, providing numerous programs for self-improvement and confidence-building

; and

WHEREAS, The Mural Arts Program offers services to the Philadelphia community free of charge; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program has become a national leader in criminal and restorative justice, currently offering programs in local prisons and rehabilitation centers; and

WHEREAS, Muralists from around the world come to Philadelphia to train and learn from the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor, recognize and commend the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program on its Thirtieth Anniversary for its

extraordinary service and dedication as a component of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End