As part of Mural Arts Philadelphia, the Mural Arts Institute (MAI) was an organization dedicated to sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences that have shaped Mural Arts’ approach to community-centered art making. MAI worked with artists, arts administrators, and community leaders across the world to align knowledge, amplify voices, empower change, and distribute resources that move us all towards a more inclusive and equitable future for socially engaged public art. 

Mural Arts believes that opportunities, resources, and knowledge should be accessible to all. Since the launching of the Institute, we have developed cohort-based learning initiatives that seek to expand the capacity of other like minded changemakers through a multi-faceted approach, including individual coaching, peer learning, organizational consulting, public programs that support local ecosystems, and nation-wide networking opportunities. Beyond providing substantial funding to cohort participants, we center their voices and works through symposia, publications, and video documentation.

During its tenure, the Mural Arts Institute provided a variety of programs, workshops and learning sessions that brought together artists, organizers, and community members in expanding their skills, network, and experience in community engaged public art practices.

The Mural Arts Institute provides a wide range of tools for community mural making and documentation of public art initiatives. These are available for free and for purchase.

While some MAI initiatives ended with the organization’s sunset, some artist opportunities are ongoing. Clicking the links below will bring you to the current opportunities on the Mural Arts Philadelphia website.

After more than eight years of rigorously advancing the field of community-based public art and mural making, the Mural Arts Institute (MAI) will bring its current operations to a successful close on March 31, 2026.

Since its inception, MAI has served as a beacon for socially engaged art practices, driving national initiatives in over 15 cities, facilitating international exchanges with artists across the globe, and producing thought-provoking symposia. Through extensive training programs and the creation of vital open-source resources, MAI has permanently enriched the toolkit available to artists, administrators, and communities worldwide.