On May 7, 2025, the Welcome Center in Philadelphia's LOVE Park unveiled "The Philadelphians," an immersive art exhibit celebrating the city's diverse immigrant communities through a dynamic 360-degree projection. The exhibit, running through June 8, 2025, is a collaborative effort by the Forman Arts Initiative (FAI), Mural Arts Philadelphia, and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA).

"The Philadelphians" showcases images of both historical and contemporary immigrant populations, highlighting their significant contributions to the city's cultural and social fabric. In addition to the visual display, the exhibit offers complementary programming, including workshops and panel discussions designed to engage the public in immigrant narratives.

The exhibit is part of the Public Works residency program, a collaboration between FAI and Mural Arts Philadelphia that pairs artists with city agencies to create artwork strengthening connections between the agencies' work and the communities they serve. This particular project was developed in partnership with the OIA and features the work of Philadelphia-based artist duo Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib.

Hironaka and Suib, collaborators since 2008, are known for their work with moving images and installations that celebrate unheard stories and alternative perspectives on history and culture. Their collaboration with OIA aims to foster a deeper understanding of immigrant challenges, triumphs, and diverse community narratives within Philadelphia. The artists emphasized the universal relevance of immigrant stories and family history in shaping community identity.

Philadelphia has a rich history of immigration and cultural diversity, with close to 16% of its population born outside the United States, ranking it fifth among U.S. cities in terms of foreign-born residents. The exhibit comes at a time when sanctuary cities like Philadelphia face increasing pressure from the federal government for non-compliance with certain immigration policies. By highlighting the contributions of immigrant communities, "The Philadelphians" serves as a platform for dialogue and understanding, reinforcing the city's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The Forman Arts Initiative, founded in 2021 by philanthropists Jennifer Rice and Michael Forman, is dedicated to supporting artists and cultural organizations in Philadelphia and expanding the role of art in local communities through programming, convenings, and advocacy. Mural Arts Philadelphia, established in 1984, is the nation’s largest public art program, having created nearly 4,000 artworks that transform public spaces and individual lives.

The Office of Immigrant Affairs promotes the well-being of Philadelphia’s immigrant communities and facilitates their successful inclusion into the city’s civic, economic, and cultural life. The office proposes and implements policies and fosters programs to ensure foreign-born residents and their children can be successful in Philadelphia.

By weaving together these elements, "The Philadelphians" exhibit provides a comprehensive exploration of immigrant experiences and their significance within the broader context of Philadelphia's cultural and social landscape.