PHILADELPHIA(KYW Newsradio) — After more than 40 years, Jane Golden is stepping down from leading Mural Arts Philadelphia, the organization she founded.
“This is my life,” she told KYW Newsradio. “I love my job.”
Golden also loves the city of Philadelphia, and she’s unwavering that after 42 years and 4000 murals, her decision to retire didn’t come easy.
“But there comes a time in every organization’s life when you have to grapple with what’s next,” said Golden.
Jane Golden and artist Dietrich Adonis in 1994.
Photo credit Jack Ramsdale.
Under Golden’s leadership, Mural Arts has become an international model for public art. She still remembers going to then-Mayor Ed Rendell back in 1986 to pitch the project.
“Relatively quickly, the docket was this: To bring art to every neighborhood possible, to hire emerging and established artists, everything in between, and to make sure young people in the city had access to art,” she said.
Jane Golden and the Anti Graffiti Network crew in 1985.
Photo credit Temple University Libraries, Urban Archives.
Forty-two years on, the organization has become the biggest employer of artists in the city (more than 6,000 in its history), and made lasting and meaningful impacts in under-resourced neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.
Philadelphia itself has also become known worldwide as the City of Murals.
“We had extraordinary spirit and devotion and passion,” said Golden. “And you can go a long way with that.”
Golden will stay on through July 2026 through more than 15 new projects, such as the Gateway Project, and murals and tributes to other beloved Philly icons like Questlove and Boyz II Men.
Her hope is that Philadelphia continues to inspire the world through its art.
“Please understand the inherent value of art in our world because we need it now more than ever,” said Golden.