Global Philadelphia Unveils New Sustainability-Themed Public Mural at St. Mary's Interparochial School, Kick-Starting 2023 World Heritage Week Celebrations

The nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Philadelphia’s global profile debuts a new sustainability-themed mural in association with St. Mary's Interparochial School and Mural Arts Philadelphia.

WHO: Produced by: Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) 

Host: St. Mary's Interparochial School

Partners: Mural Arts Philadelphia 

Artist: Isabelle Cress

WHAT: Global Philadelphia Association meets another United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) with the unveiling of a new public art mural by young local artist, Isabelle Cress, celebrating SDG 17: Partnership for The Goals. Revitalizing Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development. The mural unveiling is sponsored by St. Mary's Interparochial School and artistically portrays the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society to ensure the sustainable development of communities, cities, etc. 

GPA’s Sustainable Goals Campaign in Philadelphia is designed to bring awareness to the importance of the 17 development goals, through a series of public artwork distributed across the city, encouraging a broad commitment to their effectuation, both locally and on a global scale. 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action set forth by United Nations for all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities while tackling climate change and environmental protection. This mural will reflect Sustainable Development Goal #17, Partnership for The Goals -- to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development. 

The unveiling event will directly follow St. Mary’s 21st annual walkathon and feature prominent speakers including City Representative Sheila Hess and City Councilman Mark Squilla, a performance by St. Mary’s dance troupe and choir group singing “We Are The World”, and a mayoral proclamation kicking off World Heritage Week in Philadelphia. 

WHEN: Friday, May 19, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Remarks and performances will begin promptly at 10:30 AM. 

WHERE: St. Mary's Interparochial School (500 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19106)

*Road will be closed due to walkathon

VISUALS:   The outdoor event will provide many opportunities for photography, including:

• The new addition to Philadelphia’s public artwork community by local artist Isabelle Cress

• Choir performance by St. Mary’s students

• Presentation of a large-scale, $3,000 grant gifted to Ronald McDonald House

• Remarks from prominent Philadelphia business leaders, including:

  • Mark Squilla (City Councilman) 

  • Sheila Hess (Philadelphia City Representative)

  • Zabeth Teelucksingh (President of Global Philadelphia Association)

  • Rob McNeill (Board Chair of GPA)

  • Anthony Stover (Community Relations Manager, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House)

  • Susan Chernesky Kroger (Director, Membership, Retail and Travel Group- NAPCO Media)

  • Isabelle Cress (Artist) 

“At GPA we are committed to promoting and advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” said Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of Global Philadelphia Association.

“This new mural at St. Mary’s not only adds a beautiful new backdrop for our community, but also represents the message of building a better, more sustainable city, showcasing the work of a talented local artist, and in turn, furthering our commitment to fulfilling each of the SDG goals.” 

“Saint Mary Interparochial School is proud of our comprehensive network of partnerships. We consider these to be a critical component in providing an exceptional Catholic educational experience for our students and their families. We are thrilled to announce the installation of a beautiful mural created by our talented alumni artist, Isabelle Cress '13.

"Isabelle's creative vision for the 17th Sustainable Development Goal and how it relates to Saint Mary's partnerships is evident in this exquisite artwork. We are honored to showcase our local, regional, national, and global partnerships in such a bold and powerful way! We remain committed to fostering these partnerships and providing our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the future.”

- Jayda Pugliese, Principal

PR CONTACT:    Ally Wengel: (E) [email protected] (C) 908-914-5052

About the Global Philadelphia Association

The Global Philadelphia Association consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile. For more information, visit website: globalphiladelphia.org

About Saint Mary Interparochial School 

Founded in 1782, Saint Mary Interparochial School, a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, is a fiscally independent Catholic elementary school of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia providing an outstanding and faith-based Catholic education. Located in the heart of the historic district, successfully serving children from kindergarten through eighth grade and their families from neighborhoods throughout the city. Saint Mary Interparochial School challenges its diverse student body to grow morally, academically, and socially into passionate, confident, and Christ-centered leaders of the 21st century.