Mural festival to kick off York Arts Week

YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — York Arts Week 2023 is kicking off this weekend with the York Mural Festival, a celebration of the unveiling of 15 new murals in the Royal Square District.

The festival is a collaboration between Parliament Arts Organization, Royal Square District, and Sprocket Mural Works, and will feature 15 local, regional, and national artists’ work.

“We believe that art can change everything and this festival exemplifies just that,” Delia Pabon, executive director of The Parliament Arts Organization said.

Organizers say the addition of the murals will help brighten the Royal Square District and transform a parking lot into a Mural Park.

“The Royal Square District has transformed so much in the last decade, thanks to the efforts of so many. The Parliament is thankful to exist and thrive in such a vibrant, welcoming, and artistic district and city,” Pabon said.

Along with the murals, new lighting, green spaces, pedestrian wayfinding, and dedicated walkways are also coming to the park, and is led by Royal Square Development & Construction.

“Art has the power to do so much – to excite, inspire, and as we are going to see with this project, to radically transform spaces,” Meg Caruso, Sprocket Mural Works co-founder and executive director said. “We relish the opportunity to partner with PAO , the community and artists to add even more beauty and vibrancy to the York landscape. York is already a gorgeous city, and thanks to this investment, it’ll shine even brighter.”

The festival is being held Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will make the beginning of York Arts Week which will run from August 19 to August 26.