Joseph Eduardo Iacona (he/him) is a Philadelphia-based arts leader, restorative pedagogue, and strategic consultant with over 15 years of experience in the design and technical execution of community-driven public art. His practice is rooted in the "WITH" framework—a restorative methodology designed to transition projects away from transactional models and toward genuine, collaborative inquiry.

Pedagogy and Restorative Practice As a restorative practitioner, he specializes in demystifying the creative process and constructing the conditions for authentic exchange, ensuring that artmaking remains accessible and empowering for all participants. He has managed more than 100 community art projects and artist residencies in varied settings, including schools, museums, libraries, prisons, and behavioral health facilities.

Global Scholarship and Leadership Joseph served as a distinguished guest and scholar for the United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR) World Public Art Conference. His essay on Restorative Practices and Public Art is featured in the forthcoming 2026 post-conference publication, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice shaping the global discourse on community-engaged public art. He is a frequent plenary speaker on restorative leadership and community engagement, with recent and upcoming engagements at Jefferson Health, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Kutztown University.

Professional Background Previously, Joseph served as the Director of the Mural Arts Institute for Mural Arts Philadelphia, having begun his work with the organization in 2009 as a muralist and lead educator. In his leadership role, he introduced 21st-century curriculum design to the Muralist and Artist Training program and codified community-based methodologies into teachable frameworks for national and international audiences. Balancing educational leadership with scholarly rigor, he curated dynamic public symposia—including Created Together and Researching the Impact of Murals in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. His leadership ensured that the technical and relational demands of public art were met with both intentionality and empathy. He has also held roles with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, advancing multiple artist-in-residency programs and engaging with thousands of youth through artistic collaboration.

Education and Studio Practice Joseph holds a Master of Science in Restorative Practices with a specialization in Community Engagement from the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art History from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He maintains an active studio practice in Philadelphia, PA.