Art as a Catalyst for Change w, Jane Golden, MuralArts

​Jane Golden has been the driving force behind Mural Arts , transforming it from a small city initiative into the nation’s largest public art program and a global model for urban transformation through art. Hired in 1984 by Mayor Wilson Goode to combat graffiti through the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, she worked with graffiti writers to channel their talents into collaborative mural-making, revitalizing neighborhoods that had long suffered neglect.

​Under her visionary leadership, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 public artworks through partnerships with community organizations, schools, and city agencies. These projects address societal challenges such as restorative justice, youth education, environmental issues, and behavioral health. In 2017, Golden launched the Mural Arts Institute to share best practices globally, further cementing the program’s impact.

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Golden’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Philadelphia Award and the Anne d’Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence. A sought-after expert on urban transformation, she is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on cultural advisory boards, inspiring change through art, advocacy, and education.

​​About Futurespaces
Futurespaces delves into contemporary experience design, with a specific focus on how innovations in design and technology can meaningfully enhance human connection.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Founded and led by Josh Goldblum (Bluecadet) Futurespaces offers live webinars and in-person tours that provide valuable insights into the creative process of creating contemporary experiences.