Celebrating 50 Years of Atlanta's Cultural Renaissance

The City of Atlanta's Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs is thrilled to announce the return of ELEVATE, a vibrant celebration of the city's rich cultural heritage. This year's event, ELEVATE: 50 Years of Culture, will commemorate five decades of artistic excellence and community engagement, inviting Atlantans to immerse themselves in a dynamic lineup of cultural experiences.

Unlocking the Doors to Atlanta's Artistic Treasures

Opening Event: Tracing the Origins of Atlanta's Cultural Landscape

The ELEVATE: 50 Years of Culture festivities will kick off with a captivating panel discussion led by renowned cultural historian Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado. Joined by former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Michael Lomax, and Rob Rivers, this engaging conversation will delve into the pivotal moments that have shaped Atlanta's cultural landscape over the past five decades. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to gain insights into the origins and evolution of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, which has played a pivotal role in nurturing the city's vibrant arts scene.

A Day in the Park with the Arts: Igniting Creativity in the Next Generation

Families and art enthusiasts alike will be drawn to the A Day in the Park with the Arts festival, a celebration of creativity and artistic expression. This vibrant event will feature the Imagination Station, a 20'x40' interactive art experience designed to inspire young minds, hosted by the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Attendees will also be treated to a captivating Drum Call and Dance performance by the Ailey Kids, an improvisation experience by the renowned Dad's Garage, and an energetic live show by the talented Divinity Roxx. The event will also include a book giveaway and a Healthy Foods Snack Table, ensuring that everyone leaves nourished and inspired.

Cinematic Odyssey: Exploring 50 Years of Atlanta's Cultural Tapestry

Cinephiles and culture enthusiasts will be captivated by the 50 Years of Atlanta Cinema showcase, a cinematic journey through five decades of the city's cultural evolution. Through a curated selection of short films, documentaries, and feature films, attendees will delve into the diverse voices and pivotal moments that have contributed to Atlanta's dynamic cultural landscape.

Bridging the Gap: Celebrating Atlanta's Artistic Heritage

The Steele Bridge Art Installation, titled "Take It to the Bridge," will offer a visual celebration of the city's rich artistic heritage. Featuring 35 fine art reproductions from Atlanta's permanent collection, this exhibition will be displayed along the Steele Bridge, providing a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the city's artistic treasures. The event will also serve as a networking platform for Atlanta artists, with music provided by DJ Selorm Attikpo, in partnership with France-Atlanta and Villa Albertine.

Global Connections: Unveiling Atlanta's Sister City Murals

Strengthening the city's international ties, the ELEVATE festival will feature the unveiling of two sister city murals. The first, "Old Tunes Awaken the Young Spirit" by artist Chinemerem Omeh from Lagos, Nigeria, will be unveiled in Underground Atlanta. The second, a restoration of the "Flag" mural by Tilt from Toulouse, France, will be celebrated on South Broad Street, showcasing Atlanta's commitment to cultural exchange and global collaboration.

Sculpting the City's Artistic Landscape

The ELEVATE Arts Festival will once again showcase new sculptural artworks in Freedom Park, an initiative of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation. This year's featured artists are Jamaal Barber and Alex Brewer, whose works will be displayed along the east-west section of Freedom Park between Highland Avenue and the Beltline intersection, remaining on view for one year.

Honoring Atlanta's Master Artists

The Mayor's Gallery at City Hall will host the "Master Artists Series Remembered" exhibition, revisiting the legacy of the annual Master Artists Series held at City Gallery East. This event will celebrate the enduring influence of highly skilled professional artists who have significantly contributed to Atlanta's visual arts scene, showcasing their remarkable works and honoring the city's commitment to fostering artistic excellence.

Unveiling Contemporary Masterpieces

The ELEVATE festival will also feature the unveiling of two significant public art installations. In Freedom Park, the community will celebrate the installation of "The Splendid," a sculpture by renowned contemporary artist Ugo Rondinone. Additionally, in Grant Park, the newest addition to the city's public art collection, "Things just happened to him" by artist Ryan Gander, will be unveiled, providing Atlantans with the opportunity to experience world-class contemporary art.

Immersing in the Vibrant Underground

The Underground Quilt 2024 event will be a celebration of the first annual painting of Underground Atlanta's outdoor gallery, featuring a series of murals that will re-activate the historic Peach Drop tower's blank walls. This event will include a Mini Mural Fest with live painting, vendor booths, entertainment, refreshments, and after-parties, inviting the community to experience the revitalization of this iconic Atlanta landmark.

Preserving Atlanta's Cultural Legacy

The Virtual Gallery: 50 Years of Culture Memorabilia Exhibition will honor the establishment of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs (now the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs) during Mayor Maynard Jackson's groundbreaking first term, highlighting its lasting influence on Atlanta's cultural evolution. This digital exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the city's cultural heritage, preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped Atlanta's vibrant arts scene.

Celebrating the Rhythm of Atlanta's Jazz Legacy

The Gallery 72: All That Jazz Exhibition will showcase over 40 years of Atlanta's commitment to jazz, featuring a captivating collection of posters from both the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival. This exhibition will offer a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary artists and designers who have contributed to the visual legacy of these iconic events, celebrating the rich history of jazz culture in Atlanta.

Giving Back to the Community

As part of the 50th-anniversary celebration, the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs is collaborating with 50 arts partners to offer 2,500 free tickets to various cultural events throughout the fall. This initiative, titled "50 Years, 50 Partners, 50 Experiences," aims to provide the community with free access to the best of Atlanta's arts scene, ensuring that everyone can engage with the city's vibrant cultural offerings.