Contact:
David L. Cohen, AICP
Executive Director
Girard Coalition, Inc.
Phone: 215-825-8822
Email: dcohen@girardcoalition.org
Brian Campbell
Special Projects and Communications
Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Phone: 215-685-0760
Email: brian.campbell@phila.gov
October 31, 2005
Girard Coalition, Inc. Announces Completion of Art
Panel Project
(Philadelphia, PA) – The Girard Coalition, Inc. (GCI) in partnership with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has completed the installation of 56 two-sided art panels along Girard Avenue from I-95 to the Schuylkill River. The art panels, which are 5 feet high by 3 feet in width, were designed and painted by local artists Cathleen Hughes, Paul Santoleri, Parris Stancell and Craig Stover. Other art panels feature photographs by local photographer Carl Childs. The art panels were designed with the input and guidance of local residents. Fabricated out of Alumalite© material, which has aluminum panels and a corrugated plastic core, the art panels are designed to last for 10 years and are able to weather elements much better than cloth banners, which typically need replacing once a year. The art panel project was supported with funding from the William Penn Foundation.
The Girard Coalition, Inc. is an incorporated non-profit organization composed of over 50 neighborhood groups, business associations, and major institutions along Girard Avenue from the Schuylkill River to the Delaware River. The Coalition works to enhance the image of the Girard Avenue commercial corridor to create a destination for visitors and a place for neighborhood residents to shop, a district where shoppers can find unique items as well as address everyday needs, and a place where large-scale development complements and strengthens existing businesses. The Coalition commenced operations and programming earlier this year. Other Coalition programming includes a sidewalk cleaning program, and bringing together civic groups to cooperate on planning and development activities. More information on the Coalition and images of many of the art panels are available at http://www.girardcoalition.org.
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (MAP) started in 1984 as the Anti-Graffiti Network. In 1996, the City of Philadelphia recognized MAP as a program distinct from the Anti-Graffiti Network. MAP is involved in mural-making and art education throughout the city of Philadelphia. The Community Murals arm of MAP works with over 100 communities each year to create murals that reflect the culture of Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Mural projects often include stabilization of abandoned lots and revitalization of open spaces. MAP's community partners include block captains, neighborhood associations, public schools, community development corporations, local non-profits, and City agencies. MAP strives to coordinate mural projects with existing strategies for community development, thereby leveraging grassroots social capital to build positive momentum and stronger results. More information on MAP is available at http://www.muralarts.org.
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is the largest national non-profit supporter of community development. LISC is dedicated to helping community development corporations (CDCs) transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities of choice and opportunity –good places to work, do business and raise children. By providing capital, technical expertise, training and information, LISC supports the development of local leadership and the creation of affordable housing, commercial, industrial and community facilities, businesses and jobs in Philadelphia and nationwide. More information is available at http://www.lisc.org.
# # #