About
Our Mission: Atlanta Contemporary advances contemporary art by supporting artists, fostering experimentation, and connecting audiences to new ideas through dynamic exhibitions and programs.
Apply Now to be Our Next Executive Director
Changing The Way
We All See 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 200 consequential artists and creatives from the local, national, and international art scenes through our various exhibition, project spaces, and programs each year. Atlanta Contemporary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and is free admission, every day. We became free admission on September 1, 2015 to increase accessibility to the community of artists and arts enthusiasts in the metro-Atlanta area.
We commission new works, paying particular attention to artists who have not had a significant exhibition in the Southeast. We organize over 125 programs annually including Contemporary Kids, Contemporary Cocktails, Contemporary Talks, and more! Atlanta Contemporary provides 13 on-site subsidized studio spaces to working artists through the Studio Artist Program.
Letter From The Director
Dear Friends, Artists, Patrons and Supporters,
We are thrilled to unveil our new strategic plan and embark on finding the right leader to guide us into our next chapter. You can find the plan, an FAQ, and a suggestion box to leave feedback at this link.
A Bold New Vision for Our Future
After months of thoughtful planning and community input, we've just released our comprehensive 2025-2028 strategic plan. This roadmap builds on what we do best—advancing contemporary art by supporting artists, fostering experimentation and connecting audiences to new ideas.
Our strategic plan centers on three key priorities: putting artists at the heart of everything we do and shaping important conversations, reconnecting with our purpose and strengthening our day-to-day operations. This approach honors our incredible 50+ year legacy while investing in the people, systems and facilities we need to grow sustainably, reach more people and create lasting impact in our community.
Finding Our Next Leader
We're excited to announce our Executive Director Search Committee, which is beginning the process of finding dynamic leadership to bring our ambitious strategic plan to life. From our board of directors we have James Ford-Hutchinson, Chip Moody and Robin Stenzel, who will serve as chair. We're also welcoming two external representatives to the committee: Tim Schrager and Charlene Crusoe-Ingram. Tim and Charlene are both deeply connected to Atlanta's arts community and former board members at Atlanta Contemporary.
Your support means everything to us as we start this exciting journey. Atlanta Contemporary has been part of our cultural fabric for over 50 years, and with this strategic foundation and new leadership, we're ready to make an even bigger difference in the years ahead.
Thank you for being part of our community and for your continued commitment to contemporary art in Atlanta.
With gratitude,
Everett Long
Interim Executive Director
By The Numbers | Demographics in FY24
Audiences: 60% Female, 35% Male, 5% Gender Non-Conforming; 70% BIPOC ::48% Black/African American, 5% Asian, 7% LatinX, 1% Indigenous/Native American, 31% White/Caucasian, and 8% Other.
Artists: 63% Female, 30% Male, 7% Gender Non-Conforming; 25% Black/African American, 8% Asian, 13% LatinX, 50% White/Caucasian, and 3% Other.
Board: 60% Female, 40% Male; 50% Black/African American and 50% White/Caucasian
In 2024, Atlanta Contemporary has continued to engage the public through the presentation of contemporary art and arts programming. Last year, we worked with 8 independent curators and over 150 artists to produce 25 exhibitions. Our galleries saw over 12,000 visitors over the course of the year for exhibitions and programs.
Through our programming, we worked with community partners to produce over 100 public-facing programs, including artist talks, workshops, and Open Studios. Thank you to our partners, who help us change the way we all see art.
- Atlanta Art Fair
- Atlanta Art Week
- Atlanta Ballet
- Artadia
- artfulATL
- The Bakery Atlanta
- Creative Mornings
- Dance Canvas
- GULCH Mag
- MidWeek Roll
- MuSEA
- Villa Albertine
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 reflect contemporary culture. We do this by inviting creatives to conceive, explore, and showcase 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.
Influence
We present exhibits and programs that create national conversation and amplify the careers of participating artists.
Collaboration
We embrace and work with a wide variety of organizations, neighbors, partners, and communities to advance contemporary art in a variety of forms.
Our Staff
Everett Long
Interim Executive Director
Makiko Maekawa
Contemporary Kids Instructor
Board
Amanda Rhein
Acting Board ChairExecutive Director, Atlanta Land Trust
Odessa M. Archibald
External Affairs Manager, Georgia Power
Courtney Bombeck
Owner, CO-OP ART Atl
Alexandria Drohobyczer
VP, Head of Innovation & Execution, Better Life Partners
Corey Favor
Sr. Director of Community Engagement Talent and Culture at Orange Barrel Media
James Ford- Hutchinson
VP Supply & Strategic Partnership, Shippabo
Shane Foye
Managing Partner, DW1
Yonina Gray
Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Banking, Bank of America
Danielle Henry
Founder, The Sinclair Shop
Chip Moody
Georgia State University
Anna Sylvester
Partner, Aligned Health Law
Robin Stenzel
SecretaryChief People Officer, Sparq
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