“How Philly Moves” began as just one man’s vision: to celebrate his community through a combination of dance and group portraiture.
A city’s greatest resource is its citizens. Now more than ever, it’s important to create positive images that celebrate our communities, affirm the value of our neighbors, and foster a culture of collaboration.Anybody who identified themselves as a Philadelphian and a dance enthusiast was invited to participate, and absolutely no experience was required. One year in, the project has attracted over 160 movers-and-shakers, from the super professional to the totally self-taught, and has been slated for transformation into a 50,000-square-foot mural at the Philadelphia International Airport. (Completion is scheduled for June.) So where does it go from here? With hundreds more people in the wings still waiting to dance, photographer/project creator Jacques-Jean Tiziou sums it up aptly: “This is the point where it’s either done, or it evolves from my own personal project into one that is supported by the community.”
Well, it looks like Jacques-Jean’s community has risen to the occasion. On Saturday he posted a public invite to a group-painting session, with the aim of creating a piece of work to be installed (up to seven stories tall!) in conjunction with his mural. As evidenced by the collection of photos Jacques-Jean shared earlier this week, folks turned up in droves. I couldn’t be there (booo), but browsing through picture after picture of happy, excitable citzens-turned-painters for the day made me feel like I was still part of the action. Too cool not to share! You can check a few of my favorites out below, and support the ongoing project here.
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