Smart Element Added To Mural Arts Program
By Molly Daly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The latest work of the Mural Arts Program was dedicated Sunday at 7th and Dauphin Streets in North Philadelphia. The mural, which depicts the effects of incarceration on families, prisoners, and the community, now uses technology to keep it current.
Mural Arts Program Director Jane Golden says the mural incorporates stories gathered from prisoners, their family members, and the public.
"This has been not just a project, but a two-year program that has been, in part, at Graterford Prison, has been connected with our re-entry program, The Guild, and has been the brainchild of the artist and muralist Eric Okdeh."
Okdeh introduced a new element in the form of Quick Response (QR) codes.
"My idea was through these QR codes that are integrated into the design, you can scan 22 areas of this mural with a smart phone, and be taken to people's audio clips, and here those stories directly, and you can be taken to the project site, have access to resources, and contribute on the spot," he said.
And it works.
While the mural was being dedicated, two kids were busy scanning the codes.
The mural can also be seen at the Philadelphia History Museum through December 31st.
