CITYarts Reveals the CITYarts Liberty Mural at Path of Liberty at Freedom Plaza

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for September 12 as CITYarts celebrates milestone in national peace initiative

NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CITYarts, the NYC-based nonprofit that has empowered youth through public art for 36 years, today announced the completion of the CITYarts Liberty Mural ^©2025  at Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US at Freedom Plaza, located at 686 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016 and made possible by The Soloviev Foundation. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, September 12th from 7–9 PM, open to all community members and press.

Commissioned as part of the CITYarts 50 States of Peace^© initiative and the Path of Liberty project by The Soloviev Foundation, the mural was designed and painted by Ivan Petrovsky (Mustart), a Jersey City-based multidisciplinary artist, in collaboration with over 35 students and community volunteers, primarily from A. Philip Randolph High School in Harlem.

Spanning four walls (each 9 feet high and 40 feet long) and extending to a rooftop installation, the CITYarts Liberty Mural captures vibrant scenes of freedom, nature, unity, and peace. Completed largely over the summer months, the artwork is a powerful example of how art can bring communities together to reflect shared history and envision a hopeful future.

"The inspiration behind the mural is the Path of Liberty and the powerful stories of America's history told through its videos and photos," said Tsipi Ben-Haim, Founder, Executive and Creative Director of CITYarts. "As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we saw a unique opportunity to pair this moment with our CITYarts 50 States of Peace initiative, inviting youth across the country to reimagine their communities as places of peace and connection. The CITYarts Liberty Mural and our Peace Walls go hand in hand in celebrating a united nation, where young voices lead with creativity and hope. I strongly believe that when kids create, they do not destroy — they inspire us all."

Mustart, known for his bold, jazz-inspired freestyle aesthetic, emphasized the spontaneity and collaborative spirit behind the work.

"Working with youth on a project of this scale is always inspiring," said Mustart. "Their energy, imagination, and dedication reminded me that creativity is one of the purest forms of freedom. This mural isn't just paint on a wall — it's a visual anthem of liberty, rooted in history and imagined by the next generation."

The mural reflects CITYarts' mission to engage youth with professional artists to create public artworks that empower, educate, and build community. Since its founding in 1989, CITYarts has produced over 380 public art projects, impacting over 100,000 youth worldwide and involving more than 200,000 volunteers.

"We are proud to partner with CITYarts on the Liberty Mural and share this impactful public art with the community," said Michael Hershman, CEO of The Soloviev Foundation. "Art is a powerful tool that connects generations, examines history, and inspires change. The Liberty Mural and Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US bring the ideals of freedom and peace into a tangible community space, encouraging meaningful dialogue and celebrating both our shared values and our differences."

The Liberty Mural is part of the CITYarts 50 States of Peace initiative, which aims to create a mural in every U.S. state with local youth and artists. The initiative will culminate in 2026 with a National Peace Wall in Washington, D.C., featuring 250 youth-created "Images for Peace" and quotes from historical leaders — honoring America's 250th anniversary with a vision for a more unified, peaceful future.

To reserve your tickets for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please visit https://auction.biddingforgood.com/auction/341815112.

ABOUT CITYarts
CITYarts is a New York City-based nonprofit that empowers youth and connects communities through public art. Since 1989, CITYarts has completed over 380 projects worldwide, engaging 100,000+ youth and 600 artists. Its murals, mosaics, and Peace Walls foster leadership, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding. For more information about the CITYarts Liberty Mural^©, CITYarts 50 States of Peace^© initiative, or the Path of Liberty project, contact CITYarts' Project Management department at [email protected]. To find out about sponsorship opportunities, please contact CITYarts Founder, Executive and Creative Director Tsipi Ben-Haim at (212) 966-0377 or via email at [email protected]. Visit www.cityarts.org to learn more.

ABOUT THE CITYarts 50 STATES OF PEACE INITIATIVE
The 50 States of Peace is a national art initiative by CITYarts, engaging youth in all 50 states to create art for peace. The project will culminate in 2026 with the National Peace Wall in Washington, D.C., featuring 250 youth artworks and 250 quotes honoring the U.S. Semiquincentennial. 

ABOUT SOLOVIEV FOUNDATION
The Soloviev Foundation is the charitable giving arm of the Soloviev Group, dedicated to supporting the efforts of those working across humanitarian, environmental, and educational causes. The Foundation's gifts go to both large, long-established institutions addressing global crises and concerns, and smaller, hyperlocal organizations serving the populations in need within their communities. For more information, visit www.solovievfoundation.org.

ABOUT PATH OF LIBERTY: THAT WHICH UNITES US
Encompassing more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, the large-scale exhibition provides a visual and narrative journey of the founding principles of the United States, framed by stunning portraits and immersive landscapes. Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US will welcome guests and present an exploration of both the achievements and ongoing challenges of American democracy. Through powerful, large-scale environmental portraits and interactive elements, visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the country's past, present, and future. For more information, please visit www.pathoflibertynyc.com.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group