Photo Gallery
Programs 2009
Franco-American Exchange Program on Mural Art
A dialogue between local citizens, artists and urban spaces: Three murals are born in Bagnolet, Bondy and Villiers-le-Bel
For 25 years, the Mural Arts Program (MAP) of Philadelphia has worked with urban populations, contributing to a more united society. The program brings community members together to work on an artistic project, building social cohesion and improving the immediate environment. MAP gives citizens the opportunity to have a positive impact in their own neighborhoods. The idea of a pilot partnership between Philadelphia and France was born in spring 2008 in response to a request for a mural from Villiers-le-Bel. The Tourist bureau of Philadelphia and Culturesfrance soon joined the cause, as well as the towns of Bagnolet and Bondy. This pilot project shares a model to strengthen social ties and build a positive public image in sensitive neighborhoods. After two months of work in the presence of three artists from Philadelphia, the inhabitants of Bagnolet, Bondy and Villiers-le-Bel are able to enjoy the wall murals which they helped to create.
Official unveilings are scheduled for September 19 in Villiers-le-Bel, September 22 in Bondy and September 23 in Bagnolet.
Press Clips:
• Libération, June 25, 2009 (pdf in french)
• Beaux-arts magazine, July 2009 (pdf in french)
• Le Parisien, édition du Val d’Oise, June 16, June 25, July 11, July 18 (pdf in french)
• "Graffiti Story : de Philadelphie à Bagnolet", Mondomix, July 9, 2009
• Bondy Blog, January 2009
• Journal de la ville de Bagnolet, July 2009 (pdf in french)
• The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 8, 2009 (pdf)
Links:
• Ville de Bagnolet
• Ville de Bondy : film "Tous à vos pinceaux !"
• Ville de Villiers-le-Bel
• Culturesfrance
• Mural Arts Program
• Office du Tourisme de Pennsylvanie
• Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau