WXPN Partners with Mural Arts Program and Local Schools

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Created on Tuesday, 09 September 2008 11:34

Youth to design and paint Kids Corner mural

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (September 8, 2008) - WXPN, the member-supported public radio station from the University of Pennsylvania, today announced plans for the seventh and final installment in the Sounds of Philadelphia Mural Series developed in partnership with the Mural Arts Program. The mural will focus on the station's Kids Corner radio show and will enlist area children and schools to help design and produce the art.

Starting Monday, September 8th, local youth (age 16 and under) can submit original artwork to WXPN through the Kids Corner website (kidscorner.org/arts365) or postal mail. The artwork should answer the question, "What do you see in your mind as you listen to Kids Corner?" Mural Arts Program muralist David McShane will use kids' submissions and ideas to design the mural. The last day for submissions is November 30th. The mural design will be approved and finalized by December 24th.

"Kids Corner is all about involving kids and showcasing their knowledge and talent," said Kathy O'Connell, Kids Corner host. "This mural is unique because kids play a major role in both the planning and execution phases. It's a great way to get kids involved in their community while also serving as an outlet for their creativity."

In early 2009, David McShane will visit several schools in the listening area for a series of "Painting Days" where students will work alongside him painting portions of the mural on large sheets of parachute cloth. Each school's mural section will then be transported to the mural site and installed in spring 2009. Educators interested in having their school participate can learn more by visiting the Kids Corner website.

WXPN partnered with the Mural Arts Program (MAP) in 2004 to create the Sounds of Philadelphia mural series, designed to celebrate Philadelphia's diverse music legacy. This mural series pays tribute to both Philadelphia's musical heritage and the growing cultural influence of music in the region. Details on the previous six murals are available on the XPN website at xpn.org/community-outreach/mural-arts-collaboration.

Created in 1988, Kids Corner's primary mission is to provide a stimulating variety of educational and entertaining programs for children ages 6-13. Kids Corner is WXPN's live, interactive radio show for children that has earned over 23 broadcasting awards. The program also serves as a resource for parents, educators and professionals in child-related fields.

The Mural Arts Program began in 1984 as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network and has a mission of youth development and neighborhood revitalization through the arts. Since then, the program has produced over 2,800 murals throughout Philadelphia - more than any other city in the world. WXPN and the Mural Arts Program previously partnered in 2004 to create the Sounds of Philadelphia mural series which celebrates Philadelphia's diverse music history.

To submit artwork, visit kidscorner.org/arts365 or mail submissions to Kids Corner Mural Project, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

WXPN, the nationally recognized leader in Triple A radio and the premier guide for discovering new and significant artists in rock, blues, roots, and folk, is the non-commercial, member-supported radio service of the University of Pennsylvania. WXPN produces World Cafe^®, public radio's most popular program of popular music hosted by David Dye and syndicated by NPR, and the Peabody Award winning Kids Corner hosted by Kathy O'Connell. WXPN also produces the alternative rock service, Y-Rock On XPN as its secondary radio channel in HD. WXPN serves the greater Philadelphia area at 88.5 FM, the Lehigh Valley at 104.9, Worton/Baltimore at 90.5 FM, Lancaster/York at 88.7 FM, Harrisburg at 99.7 FM, and the world via online streaming at XPN.org and XPoNentialMusic.org.