Global Philadelphia Association Inc

GPA continuously works to improve the coordination of activities and messaging among international organizations in the Philadelphia region.

The Association provides a platform for the encouragement and support of each member organization’s activities, programs, and stature. At the same time, it provides them with a unified voice and message regarding the role and importance of internationally-focused organizations, businesses and initiatives and the potential synergies that exist between and among them.

GPA also works towards the goal of raising the profile of the Philadelphia region as a cosmopolitan center, both for the citizens of the region and for a world community that is not adequately aware of what the region has to offer.

The Association paves the path to collect those distinct activities under a common banner, make them more visible, create of a one-stop referral resource for everyone from international visitors and university students to businesses and corporations, imagine new ways to showcase our international assets, draw others into relationship with our global resources, develop ways to improve the region’s international brand, and encourage the region’s leaders to act more forcefully to promote Greater Philadelphia as a global destination.

GPA's goals are high because the stakes are high.

GPA has been a leader in the region in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Campaign. Through valued partnerships with academic, corporate, and individual partners and sponsors, we have been able to not only draw visible attention to the goal through our mural commissions, but also help area non-profits.

A unique, multi-layered initiative, our SDG campaign combines a creative mix of ingredients: the interpretive power of art, the knowledge and resources of our local academic communities, the strong will of corporate and individuals sponsors and more. This combined with the financial contributions to local nonprofit organizations, truly exemplifies the shared goals within our city, and the community who supports us.

Each of these individual SDGs are chosen by a sponsor that GPA works with. Sponsors enjoy the distinction of being identified with a goal, and enabling great art. They fund both the organization, school, or nonprofit where the mural is located, as well as the local artist painting the piece.

Hosting sites are admired for displaying the canvasses at their locations, and university-led research projects accompany each SDG project. We promote this initiative with SDG newsletters, individual webpages for each SDG, press releases, and unveiling events for each mural.

GPA is made possible by staff, interns, the board of directors, sponsors, and members. As a member organization, our capabilities are created and nourished by the support of our members, both culturally and financially. While GPA does operate at a nonprofit budget, our capabilities are strong because of the network we have created throughout the course of our 12-year existence.