Global Philadelphia and Temple University Celebrate SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

By Matt Izzo

Earlier this month, Global Philadelphia and Temple University celebrated the unveiling of a piece of public art supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. The event was held at Temple’s Science Education and Research Center (SERC), which is just around the corner from where the artwork is mounted on Anderson Hall. Through the SDG public art campaign, Temple’s Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL) initiative received a $3,000 grant from the Office of International Affairs (OIA). 

SDG 10 is the 10th goal in a series of 17 released by the United Nations in 2015. The goals serve as a cooperative roadmap for individuals, cities, and nations to undertake in the hope of creating a more sustainable future. This mural, celebrating and highlighting SDG 10, hopes to bring awareness to the importance of reducing inequalities in all aspects of life and creating a more equitable world.

The artwork for SDG 10 was composed by Mat Tomezsko, a Temple University Tyler School of Art alumni. Over the summer, Mat worked with students from the University Community Collaborative (UCC)on a project called “Revolutionary Philadelphia”. Students from across Philadelphia put together pieces of art relating to Philadelphians who have made meaningful and lasting impacts on our city. At the conclusion of the Summer program, Mat compiled the student works into the art you see displayed outside of Anderson Hall. 

The UCC summer program speaks to Temple’s deep commitment to Reduced Inequalities. The mural which now hangs on campus contains powerful artwork from students across the City of Philadelphia. Furthermore, they drew inspiration from Revolutionary Philadelphians who made lasting impacts on our City, as they now have as well. Reduced Inequalities aligns with Temple’s mission and goals, giving all Philadelphians access to a great education and limitless opportunities.

With cooperation between Global Philadelphia, Temple’s OIA, the UCC, IDEAL, and other partners, there is now a prominent piece of public art bringing awareness to the SDGs. GPA’s public art campaign is the first of its kind and will serve as a blueprint for other projects focused on the SDGs and building a better, more sustainable future.