As part of its dedication to anti-racism initiatives, OIA has partnered with Global Philadelphia Association to show its commitment to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals through art.
The U.N. invited World Heritage Cities around the globe, including Philadelphia, to create artwork depicting one of their 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The goals, which include no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, and more – serve as milestones for each participating country to achieve by 2030. Exceeding the U.N.’s request, Global Philadelphia is sponsoring moveable murals, that will ultimately be exhibited all together for all the goals. Temple chose to represent Sustainable Development Goal #10 –Reducing Inequalities.
A group with representatives from a wide range of offices across Temple selected a winning artist through a request for proposals. From among the eight Temple student and alumni applicants, Mat Tomezsko, TYL ’09, an experienced muralist, was selected. Rather than presenting a concept sketch, he proposed involving students from his research-based class – in the creation of the final piece. The class, for which he teaches the art component, is offered through the University Community Collaborative (UCC), which is part of the College of Liberal Arts. To help combat racial and social injustice, the overall UCC program is designed to help high school students develop into confident, knowledgeable and connected leaders within their communities.
As part of the SDG project, each sponsor throughout Philadelphia selected a nongovernmental organization (NGO)—or in Temple’s case, another area of the university—to receive a project grant. As the sponsor of Temple’s mural, the Office of International Affairs selected IDEAL to receive the $3,000 grant.
An official unveiling of Temple's mural will take place in November. Stay tuned for details about the unveiling.
