Mural Arts Philadelphia announced on Wednesday that Emily Mello will take over as executive director from founding director Jane Golden, who shaped the organization for over 40 years, according to Mural Arts Philadelphia. Mello assumes the role following a multi-decade career in arts leadership at institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami, per Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Mello Brings Decades of Museum and Community Arts Experience to Philly
According to WHYY, Mello studied English and art history at Mount Holyoke College and earned a master’s degree in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her background includes serving as deputy director of education and public programs at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, where she oversaw Miami-Dade County’s largest arts education program during a 2013 capital campaign for a new facility, as reported by WHYY. At the New Museum in New York, Mello partnered with the Manhattan district attorney and the Center for Innovative Justice on Project Reset, a diversion program utilizing art to keep minor offenders out of punitive court proceedings, according to WHYY. She also established the New Museum’s Art and Social Justice residency and exhibition, per WHYY.
Scale and Impact of Mural Arts Philadelphia
According to WHYY, Mural Arts Philadelphia employs over 250 artists annually, completes roughly 80 projects each year, and oversees more than 4,500 existing murals across the city. The organization operates on an annual budget of about $15 million, with 20% to 30% of those funds coming directly from the city of Philadelphia, per WHYY. Core pillars of the organization include restorative justice, behavioral health initiatives through Porchlight projects, education, and community engagement, according to WHYY.
Pro Tip: Mello stated in an interview with WHYY that her professional values align with Mural Arts around youth education, restorative justice, and art as a source of healing.
Transition Plans and Community Engagement
Mello will officially step into the executive director role on September 1, according to WHYY. Speaking with Mural Arts Philadelphia on Wednesday morning, Mello indicated she does not plan to arrive with a rigid, predetermined agenda. Instead, she intends to connect directly with artists, community leaders, civic figures, and supporters to evaluate existing successes and areas needing change, per Mural Arts Philadelphia. Outside of work, Mello plans to relocate to Philadelphia by September alongside an Italian greyhound named Florizel, who goes by Flo, according to Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Did You Know? Mural Arts Philadelphia was established 42 years ago by Jane Golden, growing the initiative into one of the world’s most prominent public mural programs, according to Mural Arts Philadelphia and WHYY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head of Mural Arts Philadelphia?
Emily Mello is the new executive director, taking over for founding director Jane Golden, according to Mural Arts Philadelphia.
When does Emily Mello start her new role?
Emily Mello officially takes over as executive director on September 1, according to WHYY.
What is Jane Golden’s history with Mural Arts?
Jane Golden launched the public art organization 42 years ago, turning Philadelphia into a major global destination for murals, according to Mural Arts Philadelphia and WHYY.
What is Mello’s professional background?
Mello spent two decades in museum education and public engagement leadership at institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the New Museum in New York, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami, according to WHYY.
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