One of Philadelphia’s most beautiful and iconic programs has turned 25 this year

The program, which began as an anti-graffiti project in 1984, has produced more than 2,800 murals throughout the city, many covering whole walls of row houses in low-income neighborhoods, and it has won praise for building civic pride and helping to heal racial divisions.

Mr. Helman said the program, which is partially financed by the city, had made a difference in his neighborhood, Grays Ferry.

“It all started with the planning meeting for this mural,” Mr. Helman said. “It’s a simple mural, but it sends a very strong social statement that a community can work together. It’s not just art.”

Check the full NYTimes article and a slideshow depicting 11 of the walls.