Jane Golden
Coalition Member
Jane Golden has been the driving force of Mural Arts Philadelphia since its inception in 1984, overseeing its growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest public art program. Under Golden’s direction, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 works of transformative public art through community engagement. In partnership with innovative collaborators, she has developed groundbreaking and rigorous programs that employ the power of art to transform practice and policies related to youth education, restorative justice, environmental justice and behavioral health.
For nearly 20 years, the Mural Arts Restorative Justice Department has been offering art education in jails and prisons, providing opportunities to returning citizens upon their release through the Guild job readiness Program. This ever expanding program provides art education combined with personal and professional development, and hands-on assistance on mural projects to forge the growth of strong, positive bonds between returning citizens and justice-impacted communities. Restorative Justice participants feel empowered by their accomplishments and emerge with a newfound sense of pride in their own abilities and enhanced employment readiness skills. The Restorative Justice program cultivates resilience in individuals as they transition back into civilian life.