CITYarts Dedicates Murals to Department of Homeless Services’
Family Intake Center

Artwork created by local Bronx Students welcomes families

Through a collaboration between the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and CITYarts, high school students from the New Explorers High School dedicated hand painted murals to DHS’ family intake center in the Bronx. The murals will serve to welcome homeless families with children to DHS’ office of Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH), and to the neighborhood.

“This colorful and expressive artwork will help to beautify our family intake center and to make families feel welcome,” said DHS Commissioner Robert V. Hess. “We thank the local students for their time and dedication and for sharing their talent.”

"With these energizing images created by students we hope to bring some peace and tranquility to the homeless families that will visit the intake center, giving them a feeling of home," said CITYarts Executive and Artistic Director Tsipi Ben-Haim.

The students participating in the project face many challenges themselves yet feel they have something to give and are excited to work with the artists, learn about the creative process, and impact their community in a positive way. Each unique mural is 4’ x 5’ and painted on wooden panels.

Paul Deo, an award-winning New Orleans artist currently living in his native New York after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, led the workshops as part of the students’ art class.  Ron Ratliff, another New Orleans artist, prepared the wooden panels for the mural painting. 

Founded in 1968, CITYarts’ mission is to empower children and youth by bringing them together with professional artists to create public art that addresses civic and social issues, impacts their lives, and transforms their communities. CITYarts has sponsored and facilitated more than 260 projects to date working with over 500 artists and 10,000 young people to date. 

Each project aims to create public art where participation in the arts is limited; to develop social, artistic and educational skills for children in underserved communities; to reduce youth violence by creating positive alternatives to the street; to engage youth in discussion on issues that affect them, their communities, and the world; to promote understanding of ethnic and racial diversity; to encourage community pride; to kick off economic development and neighborhood revitalization; and to provide employment for professional artists.  Every project brings pride to its creators and vigor to its surroundings, kicking off economic development, new playgrounds, or gardens.