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Arts, empowerment, and brotherly love: an exploration of arts and social justice programs in Philadelphia, PA
Thesis   Open access

Arts, empowerment, and brotherly love: an exploration of arts and social justice programs in Philadelphia, PA

Adia Rosetta Edmondson
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010629
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Edmondson_Adia_20243.23 MBDownloadView

Abstract

Arts--Management Artivism Arts--Planning Community development--Planning Community-based corrections--Evaluation Social impact Pennsylvania--Philadelphia Social Justice
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known as "The City of Brotherly Love," demonstrates unique opportunities for artists and organizers to work together and transform their communities using the power of the arts. The research in this paper investigates four unique case studies of non-profit organizations in Philadelphia, PA that implement arts and social justice programming, and shines a light on knowledge and resources that others can use to influence similar transformative change in their communities. The organizations profiled in this research are Eastern State Penitentiary, InterAct Theater, Mural Arts Program, and Walls for Justice. I examined a body of literature, organizational materials, and staff interviews to explore the arts and social justice phenomenon to serve as a potential model for best practices for program planning, implementation, and evaluation of the projected social impact of community-engaged programming. Various themes were present in the research findings, such as hiring practices reflective of the diverse communities they serve, the value of community partnerships, platforms for all voices to be heard and supported, and the unique perspective on social justice to shape programming that best meets the target audience's needs.

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