The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that for the second year, it is offering $10,000 to a local artist to create a new mural above Ashburn Alley at Citizens Bank Park, writes Earl Hopkins for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The initiative, in partnership with the Phillies and financial services company SEI, invites artists from across the region to submit their ideas for a new mural.

This year’s theme for the contest, which is in its second year, is “connecting communities.”

The new mural will replace the one created by last year’s winner, Jose Bustamente. Titled Next Generation, his mural depicts a young boy and girl standing against a backdrop of Citizens Bank Park bathed in sunset colors while wearing Phillies gear.

“It was important for me to imbue these characters with a sense of strength, hope, and confidence,” Bustamante said in a 2024 press statement.

The winner of this year’s contest will receive tickets to a Phillies game and have the chance to throw out the first pitch following a pregame celebration of their work.

The mural will be unveiled ahead of the 2025 MLB season and the competition will be open until 5 PM on February 14.

Read more about the Phillies’ mural competition at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

_____