The Art Miles Mural Project, founded by artist and educator Joanne Tawfilis, is a global collaborative initiative dedicated to promoting peace, cultural understanding, and unity through the creation of murals.

The project began in Bosnia, where Joanne worked with children affected by war. In one defining moment, she encountered a bullet hole–ridden blanket—a powerful symbol of conflict, loss, and survival. That moment sparked a vision: to transform pain into expression, and to give people a voice through art.

What started as a single act of hope has grown into a worldwide movement, bringing together artists, students, and communities from over 100 countries and engaging more than 500,000 participants. Together, they have created over 6,000 murals, forming more than twelve miles of murals that reflect stories of resilience, identity, and unity across cultures.

Artists and communities around the world are invited to create mural panels that express their perspectives, cultures, and hopes for the future. These panels are brought together in exhibitions representing miles of murals—a powerful visual symbol of global connection.

Endorsed by UNESCO as a project supporting the Culture of Peace, and aligned with the mission of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Art Miles collaborates with UNESCO Centers for Peace and global initiatives to promote education, cultural exchange, and international dialogue.

In 2022, the project established its headquarters at the Murid Arts and Cultural Center in Oceanside, California, home to the Murid Mural Museum, the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to murals.

Through exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement, Art Miles continues to grow as a powerful global movement—building not only miles of murals, but lasting connections between people around the world.

Every mural is a voice. Every mile brings us closer together.