Mural Arts Philadelphia has named Emily Mello as its new executive director, effective September 1, succeeding founding director Jane Golden after her 42-year tenure leading the public art organization.
Mello previously held education and public engagement roles at the New Museum in New York, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami, but this marks her first time leading an entire organization or working in Philadelphia.
Mural Arts employs over 250 artists annually, completes about 80 projects a year, and maintains more than 4,500 murals citywide on a roughly $15 million budget, with 20-30% coming from city funding; Mello says she plans to continue the group's focus on restorative justice, education, and behavioral health work.
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