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Energizing Community Growth
The Purpose of A&E Atlanta
Since its inception in 2017, Arts & Entertainment Atlanta (A&E Atlanta) has been a catalyst for neighborhood activation and economic development in Downtown Atlanta. Through a synergy of new media, local art, and performance with advertising, A&E Atlanta funds cultural and public space programming, infusing the city’s heart with renewed energy and fostering community growth and development.
Artist Spotlight
Elliott McKnight
Fulton County Public Art Futures Lab A&E Atlanta Artist in Residence
Small World – a 360 Video highlighting downtown happenings
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Driving Economic Growth
A&E Atlanta’s Contribution to Sustainability
A&E Atlanta has contributed significantly to the economic development and long-term sustainability of Downtown Atlanta. With an expected revenue of close to $1 million for 2023, A&E Atlanta is proving to be an economic powerhouse, stimulating job creation and fostering an environment of prosperity. As of December 2023, fourteen signs are currently activated in the district, with another eight under review.
Artist Spotlight
Jacob O’Kelley
Offerings Gallery
Pop-up Gallery supporting emerging & mid-career artists in the heart of Fairlie Poplar
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Championing Artistic Innovation
A&E Amplifies Ideas
A&E Atlanta is committed to fostering the creative growth of both emerging and established local artists. This year, in partnership with the Fulton County Public Art Futures Lab in Underground Atlanta, A&E Atlanta supported artists-in-residence Elliott McKnight and Jason Clark, who produced work fusing art and technology. Over the summer, A&E Atlanta worked with curator Birney Robert to present its 4th annual exhibition, Extension of Nature, which featured 10 artists whose work addressed what it means to be sustainable in a digital world.
Artist Spotlight
Birney Robert
Extension of Nature Exhibition
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Preserving Culture
Enhancing Atlanta’s Identity with A&E
A key goal of A&E Atlanta is to celebrate and enhance the unique cultural heritage of the city. By investing in local artists and projects, A&E Atlanta is preserving and promoting the spirit of Atlanta, ensuring that the city’s unique identity is celebrated. In 2023, $198,000 in grant funding was awarded to twenty-one talented artists and organizations. Projects funded by the grant program will activate various Downtown spaces in 2024. The Local Stories initiative continues to unearth and showcase lesser-known narratives of Atlanta’s rich history. Four distinguished curators—Paula Cuevas, Jacob O’Kelley, Faron Manuel, and Jennifer Williams—each selected three local artists to visually translate these stories. Unveiled monthly, the stories adorn the digital sign at Margaret Mitchell Square, captivating and educating passersby.
Artist Spotlight
Lewis Foster
Local Stories – What Peachtree Has Seen
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Enhancing Life Quality
A&E’s Commitment to Health and Happiness
A&E Atlanta’s initiatives not only revitalize the Downtown creative community, but they significantly enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors. Through the development of artistic community messaging, A&E Atlanta promotes a vibrant, inclusive city center where people can thrive.
Artist Spotlight
Adam Crawford
Cat Eye Creative Gallery
Be Yourself, Be Downtown
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Unleashing the Power of Art, Transforming the City
A&E Atlanta is breathing life into every corner of the city, using the transformative power of art to invigorate the urban environment. Bringing together innovative ideas and local talent, the streets of Downtown Atlanta come alive. This artistic revolution, led by A&E Atlanta, is not just about beautifying the city; it’s about uniting communities, stimulating the economy, and creating an immersive, interactive cityscape.
Artist Spotlight
Karo Duro Downtown Windows
Windows of Wonder, 2023
Windows 
A&E Atlanta prioritizes involving locals in decision-making processes. Through its advisory board and curatorial committees, A&E Atlanta has given a voice to the people, enabling them to shape their environment. This inclusive approach provides a sense of community ownership and participation that strengthens the social fabric of Downtown Atlanta.
2023-2024 Grant Award Recipients
African Film & Arts Foundation Inc.
Almost Gaia
Amber Enadeghe
Artist Forum
Ashli J. Washington
Bent Frequency
Bernard Jackson
ChopArt
Elsewhere
ensemble vim
GSU Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Gallery
Good Soil Production + Management
Fatou Bessem
Jimmy Joyner
Kiah Clingman
Lyrik London
Meaghan Novoa
Nathan Wallace
P. Faith Carmichael
SUBSUME
Sundiata Rush
Highlighted Artists
Jacob O’Kelley | Offerings
