Jane Golden has been the visionary force behind Mural Arts Philadelphia, transforming it from a small city initiative into the nation’s largest public art program and a global model for urban transformation through art.

Hired in 1984 by Mayor Wilson Goode to combat graffiti through the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, Golden worked with graffiti writers to channel their talents into collaborative mural-making, revitalizing neighborhoods that had long been neglected.

Under her leadership, Mural Arts has produced over 4,000 public artworks in partnership with community organizations, schools, and city agencies. These murals tackle critical societal challenges, including restorative justice, youth education, environmental issues, and behavioral health. In 2017, Golden founded the Mural Arts Institute to share the program’s successful model and best practices with communities worldwide.

Golden’s contributions have earned her numerous prestigious honors, including the Philadelphia Award and the Anne d’Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence. A sought-after authority on urban transformation, she is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on cultural advisory boards, continuing to inspire change through art, advocacy, and education.