Two-year initiative seeks local artist to create a mural that celebrates the burgeoning neighborhood
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union (PFCU) today announced it is partnering with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (Mural Arts) to commission a mural in the East Kensington/Fishtown section of Philadelphia. The two-year initiative will start with an artist selection process, continue with a series of community events, and be unveiled at the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby & Arts Festival in May 2016.
“Since PFCU put down roots and became an integrated part of the East Kensington/Fishtown community more than two years ago, we’ve grown to appreciate everything that the neighborhood has to offer, including the vibrant creative economy,” said James McAneney, President/CEO of PFCU. “We are grateful to be partnering with the Mural Arts Program and looking forward to working alongside residents to create a mural that celebrates East Kensington/Fishtown.”
Together, PFCU and the Mural Arts Program are working to identify a wall near PFCU’s Fishtown branch at the intersection of E. Dauphin Street and Trenton Avenue. “We’re pleased to embark upon this partnership with the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union and to encourage artists to think creatively about beautifying their neighborhood,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. “This is an exciting way to bring public art to an area that is bustling with new activity and becoming an important cultural destination in the city.”
Between May 13 and July 31, 2015, established or emerging artists or teams of artists, who live or work in the East Kensington/Fishtown area, are invited to submit their qualifications in order to be selected to create the mural. On June 4, 2015, from 7–8 p.m., PFCU and Mural Arts will hold a community meeting at the 2136 E. Dauphin PFCU Branch to meet artist applicants and review the artist application process. On August 6, three finalists, who will be contracted to create a design for the mural, will be selected. The finalists’ submitted designs will exhibit in the lobby of PFCU’s branch located at 2136 E. Dauphin Street from September 28 through October 12. During this time period, the public is encouraged to view the designs and vote for their favorite on PFCU’s Facebook page. The final selection of the design concept will be announced the week of October 19, 2015. The community will continue to be engaged in the mural-making process after the artists and design are selected through several events, including paint days that will be announced at a later date in 2016.
The application can be downloaded on the Mural Arts website. For more information on the artist selection process, please contact Leslie Lodwick, Project Manager, Mural Arts Program, at Leslie.Lodwick@muralarts.org.
About Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1951, PFCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving Philadelphia and Columbia County, Pa. PFCU is among the top five credit unions in the Greater Philadelphia area, with 10 branch locations, more than $934 million in assets, 112,000 members, and more than 400 Select Employee Groups (SEGs). PFCU returns its profits to members in the form of higher dividend rates, lower loan rates, better services, and investment in the community. For more information, visit www.pfcu.com and connect with PFCU on Facebook and Twitter.
About the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (Mural Arts) is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts engages communities in 50–100 public art projects each year and maintains its growing collection through a restoration initiative. Core Mural Arts programs such as Art Education, Restorative Justice, and Porch Light yield unique, project-based learning opportunities for thousands of youth and adults. Each year, 12,000 residents and visitors tour Mural Arts’ outdoor art gallery, which has become part of the city’s civic landscape and a source of pride and inspiration, earning Philadelphia international recognition as the “City of Murals.” For further information, call 215-685-0750 or visit muralarts.org. Follow us on social media: @muralarts on Twitter and Instagram, phillymuralarts on YouTube, and MuralArtsPhiladelphia.
Media Contacts:
Nicole Gainer
Brownstein Group on behalf of PFCU
267-238-4147
ngainer@brownsteingroup.com
Nicole Steinberg
Director of Communications and Brand Management
City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
215-685-0754
nicole.steinberg@muralarts.org