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About
Atlanta Contemporary engages the public through the creation, presentation and advancement of contemporary art.
A community that offers ever-expanding support for the creation and appreciation of contemporary art.
Founded in 1973 as Nexus, a grassroots artists’ cooperative, Atlanta Contemporary has since become one of the southeast’s leading contemporary art centers. We play a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural landscape by presenting over 100 consequential artists from the local, national, and international art scenes through our various exhibition and project spaces each year. We are one of the few local art organizations that commission new works, paying particular attention to artists of note who have not had a significant exhibition in the Southeast. We organize over 100 diverse educational programs annually including Contemporary Kids, Contemporary Cocktails, Contemporary Talks, Movement Love and more! Atlanta Contemporary provides on-site subsidized studio space to working artists through the Studio Artist Program, removing cost as a barrier to the creative process.
Letter from the director
Dear Members and Friends,
I am so thankful to all of you who attended Atlanta Contemporary’s record-breaking exhibition openings; unique arts experiences such as Contemporary Kids and Movement Love; engaging lectures and educational programs in partnership with C4, ColorATL, Discrit and others; or simply walked the galleries to engage with the dynamic exhibitions that advance contemporary art.
It is because of you – our ever-increasing family of diverse audiences and attendees – that we had such an incredible year. Our attendance has increased over 45% and our exhibitions and programs have supported over 150 artists.
Since our founding in 1973, we have relied on our family of individuals to steward, champion, and support us. It is through you that we uphold our intent to operate with free admission, every day. Our motto at Atlanta Contemporary is "Changing the Way We All See Art" – and while this new fiscal year sees the departure of our curator, we are excited about our future. In the coming weeks, we will roll out what these changes will be and what it all means for Atlanta Contemporary.
To that end, please don’t be shy if we contact you; I always welcome your feedback. Stop by Atlanta Contemporary where there’s free parking, free coffee, and free art. I look forward to listening to you, learning from you, and working with you towards our goal of Changing the Way We All See Art.
Sincerely,Veronica Kessenich
Executive Director
Our Studio Artist Program supports local working artists by providing subsidized studio space and by fostering a collaborative environment supportive of the creative process.
Staff
Jordan Taylor
Graphic Designer
Kasey Medlin
Photographer
Makiko Maekawa
Contemporary Kids Instructor
Board
Randy Gue
Board Chair
Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University
Cheng Lee
Treasurer
VP, SunTrust
David Wender
Secretary
Alston & Bird LLP
Katina Asbell
Associate Broker, Real Living Capital City
Jason "J" Carter
One Music Fest
Emily de Golian, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon at Dermatology Consultants, P.C.
Von Du Bose
Dubose Miller, LLC
Martha Eskew
Head Coach, Leadership & Coaching
Meena Krenek
Formerly, Design Director, Gensler
Barbara Richardson
Senior Director, Institutional Giving at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Our Values
Our Core Values guide us in our work. Along with our Strategic Plan, our staff and board are committed to using our Core Values in the creation, presentation, and advancement of contemporary art.
Innovation
We present experiences that are relevant to contemporary culture. We do this by inviting artists to create, introduce, and present artistic ideas.
Access
We provide a community-focused environment that fosters inclusivity and respect.
Quality
We uphold the highest standards of artistic, programmatic, and organizational excellence in every interaction that we have.
Influence
We lead our field and receive peer recognition through flawless program execution and effective implementation of our plans. We are responsive to our audience and those who aspire to work in the field of contemporary art.
Collaboration
We embrace and work with a wide variety of organizations, neighbors, partners, and communities to reach common goals and provide access to contemporary art in a variety of forms.
