City of Atlanta - Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs

Atlanta, we’re proud to announce the completion of a stunning earthwork portrait of Mayor Maynard Jackson in Freedom Park! Created by renowned earthwork artist Stan Herd, alongside his artistic director Kyra Roesle, this breathtaking piece commemorates the 50th anniversary of Jackson’s historic inauguration as Atlanta’s first Black mayor. Located at the intersection of Moreland Ave and North Ave, the portrait stands as a powerful call to action, reminding us all to uphold his visionary legacy. #maynardjackson?#earthworkart?#stanherd?#atlantalegacy?#oca50years?#50yearsofculture

November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor the vibrant art, culture, and traditions of Native American communities that have profoundly enriched our shared history. From the intricate designs of beadwork and pottery to the captivating power of storytelling, dance, and music, Native American artistry is a testament to resilience, beauty, and deep cultural connections. Join the celebration! Share your favorite Native American artists, cultural experiences, or cherished traditions in the comments below. Together, let’s amplify the voices and creativity that keep these stories alive for generations to come. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #HonoringHeritage #ArtAndCulture #CulturalLegacy

Journey Beyond the Cosmos at Gallery 72! This exhibition invites you to discover thought-provoking works that challenge the boundaries of imagination and transport you on a mesmerizing visual journey. And be sure to mark your calendar for an engaging artist talk on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM, led by curator Shannon Morris. Dive deep into the creative process and uncover the themes behind this collection. Don’t miss your chance to explore this unforgettable showcase! On view through January 24, 2025. #50yearsofculture #oca50years #beyondthecosmos #gallery72 #atlarts

Thank you Georgia Aquarium for hosting the Atlanta Public Schools Howard Middle School 7th grade cultural experience! 367 scholars put their Earth Science curriculum to use as they spent their day exploring the aquarium galleries and live dolphin show. Since 2005, the Cultural Experience Project has been a signature program of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs providing each APS student the opportunity to visit Atlanta’s premier cultural venues, at no cost to the school or the student. #OCA50years #artsineducation #aquarium #curriculum #publicschool #educatio

#ThrowbackThursday Today, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Atlanta’s beloved radio personality and comedian, Wanda Smith, with a special throwback photo of her backstage with our Executive Director, Camille Russell Love. Known for her infectious laughter and uplifting spirit, Wanda captivated audiences on V-103 alongside co-hosts Frank Ski and Ryan Cameron. Her impact extended far beyond the airwaves—Wanda was a true pillar of our community, constantly giving back and lifting up others. Rest in power, Wanda. ?? #restinpower #wandasmith #atl #v103 #throwbackthursday #tbt

Join us in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Judith Jamison, the iconic dancer, choreographer, and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Jamison transformed the stage into a realm of deep emotion, resilience, and cultural storytelling, embodying excellence and empowerment in Black arts. More than a performer, Judith was a trailblazer whose passion for dance and dedication to celebrating the African American experience opened doors for countless artists. Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations through the lives she touched, the pieces she perfected, and the audiences she moved. Rest in power, Judith Jamison. #JudithJamison #AlvinAiley #DanceLegend #BlackExcellence

Honoring Veterans Day with a spotlight on Ed Dwight – a true pioneer, veteran, and celebrated artist who has made remarkable contributions to Atlanta’s cultural landscape. Six decades ago, Ed was on track to become America’s first Black astronaut, and this year, he achieved his lifelong dream of reaching space at 90 years old on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, making him the oldest person ever to go to space. Ed’s legacy doesn’t end in space; it extends to the heart of our city through his incredible public art. Among his iconic works is the powerful Xernona Clayton monument, located in downtown Atlanta and maintained by the City of Atlanta, Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. As an artist, Ed has dedicated himself to capturing the stories and achievements of African Americans through his sculptures, enriching our city with memorials that inspire and connect us. Join us in celebrating Ed Dwight - an American hero both in service and in art. Happy Veterans Day to all our veterans, thank you for your service! #VeteransDay #EdDwight #AtlantaArt #PublicArt #XernonaClayton #Legacy

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs invites you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta-Lagos Sister City relationship with the unveiling of a new mural “Old Tunes Awaken the Young Spirit” by artist Chinemerem Omeh from Lagos, Nigeria. Date: November 9, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Two Peachtree St NW Please join us for this special event as we honor the enduring cultural ties between Atlanta and Lagos. Click the link to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eMUjUn6k.

Get ready for an unforgettable film experience with Off The Wall 725 on 11/8 and 11/9! Join Marta Transit for a special double feature at 7:30 and 8:15 pm showcasing “NEXT” and MARTA Artbound’s “The NEXT Movement” film. Don't miss it! #OffTheWall #ATLBeltline #AtlantaEvents #BeNEXT #NEXTAtlanta #AtlantaArtists #DiscoverATL

Our November newsletter is here! Learn all about the launch of Story City Atlanta, explore new art installations across the city, get a sneak peek at upcoming exhibitions and more! Stay connected with the latest in Atlanta’s arts and culture—click the link to read the full issue: https://lnkd.in/eEgeJsHj. #atlantanews #atlarts #oca50years #artcommunity #50yearsofculture