“We Here” Public Forum & Sculpture Party

Mural Arts Philadelphia celebrates the artists and community members behind “We Here,” a new Kensington-based public art project with artist Roberto Lugo, with an afternoon of conversation and convening around art and ideas. Hosted by “We Here”’s Community Advisory Committee of Kensington residents and Mural Arts’ Curator of Public Engagement Megan Voeller, the program debuts a preview of a documentary short by Colibri Workshop and a first glimpse at a children’s book.

The forum features lead artist Roberto Lugo in conversation with Tony Award-winning playwright and poet Lemon Andersen, followed by a roundtable on the arts, behavioral health, and community well-being, with speakers from:

– By Faith Health and Healing
– Hispanic Community Counseling Services
– City of Philadelphia; the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
– Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Porch Light program

After the forum, attendees will enjoy hands-on clay sculpting activities with Lugo and “We Here” artist Nitza Walesca Rosario, a Polaroid photo booth at Lugo’s monumental sculpture with artist Daisie Cardona, and music, games and refreshments. Attendees can also tour Taller Puertorriqueño’s cultural corridor with Experience Eastern North.

All activities are free and open to the public, and families are most welcome! Programs will occur in English.

A full schedule is as follows:

11 am: Children’s book reading and kids activities with Roberto Lugo, Frank Berrios, and Meghan Galloway-Edgar

12 pm: Lunch and Forum Welcome

12:20 pm: Documentary preview from Colibri Workshop

12:40 pm: Roberto Lugo in dialogue with Lemon Andersen

1:15 pm: Panel Discussion: Arts Access & Mental/Behavioral Health in Kensington

Moderator: Nadia Malik, Porch Light Program Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia
Brenda Mosley, Executive Director, By Faith Health & Healing
Val Gay, Chief Cultural Officer, Creative Philadelphia
Hector Ayala, CEO, Latino Behavioral Health Coalition
Representative, Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services

2 pm: Closing Remarks: Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia

2 pm – 3:30 pm: Celebration!

Come for some of the event or stay for the entire time! We can’t wait to celebrate the community spirit of Kensington with you.

Photo: Steve Weinik.