Atlanta Marks 50 Years of Arts and Culture with Spectacular ELEVATE Festival

Atlanta Celebrates Five Decades of Art and Culture with ELEVATE Festival

September 13th, 2024 – Atlanta

You’re in for a treat, Atlanta! This year, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs is pulling out all the stops for the ELEVATE Festival: 50 Years of Culture. Running over four weekends, from September 20 to October 13, 2024, this milestone event will celebrate half a century of arts and culture in our vibrant city.

Opening Event: How it All Began – A Conversation on 50 Years of Culture

Date: September 20, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Hill Auditorium, High Museum of Art

Kicking things off is an insightful panel discussion led by historian Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado. Featuring distinguished guests like former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Michael Lomax, and Rob Rivers, this conversation will explore the pivotal moments that have shaped Atlanta’s thriving cultural landscape over the past 50 years.

A Day in the Park with the Arts: A Kids Festival

Date: September 21, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Piedmont Park Promenade

Get ready for a fun-filled family day out! The A Day in the Park with the Arts festival offers interactive art experiences at the Imagination Station, a vibrant Drum Call and Dance performance by the Ailey Kids, and entertaining improvisations by Dad’s Garage. Don’t miss the live show by Divinity Roxx at 3:00 PM!

50 Years of Atlanta Cinema

Date: September 22, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Plaza Theatre

Immerse yourself in Atlanta’s cinematic journey through the decades. This event features a selection of short films, documentaries, and feature films showcasing the city’s diverse voices and cultural milestones.

Steele Bridge Art Installation – Take It to the Bridge

Date: September 27, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Steele Bridge

Check out 35 stunning art reproductions from Atlanta’s permanent collection installed on Steele Bridge. This event, featuring music by DJ Selorm Attikpo, also serves as a fantastic networking opportunity for local artists.

Sister City Mural Unveiling

Date: September 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Underground

Celebrate global connections with the unveiling of the mural “Old Tunes Awaken the Young Spirit” by Lagos-based artist Chinemerem Omeh at Underground Atlanta.

Art in Freedom Park: Jamaal Barber and Alex Brewer

Date: On View from September 29, 2024

Freedom Park becomes a canvas with new sculptures by Jamaal Barber and Alex Brewer. This exhibit along the park’s east-west section showcases the talents of local artists in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Ugo Rondinone Unveiling

Date: October 4, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Freedom Park

Celebrate the installation of The Splendid, a stunning sculpture by contemporary artist Ugo Rondinone. This piece, acquired through the Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Bond’s Landmark Public Art initiative, will reside along the Freedom Park Trail.

Mayor’s Gallery: Master Artists Series Remembered

Date: October 4, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Mayor’s Gallery at City Hall

Revisit the influential Master Artists Series with an exhibition of works from highly skilled artists. This event is part of the annual Art Soiree celebrating Atlanta’s dedication to artistic excellence.

Sister City Mural Unveiling

Date: October 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: South Broad Street

Join us for the restoration celebration of the “Flag” mural by Tilt from Toulouse, France.

The Underground Quilt 2024

Date: October 5, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Underground

Witness the first annual Underground Quilt outdoor gallery painting featuring a series of murals. The event will include live painting, vendor booths, entertainment, refreshments, and after-parties.

Virtual Gallery: 50 Years of Culture Memorabilia Exhibition

Date: October 5, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Digital

Explore the rich history of Atlanta’s cultural evolution with this online exhibit showcasing memorabilia from the past five decades.

Gallery 72: All That Jazz Exhibition

Date: October 6, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 72 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303

Don’t miss the exhibition dedicated to Atlanta’s enduring love affair with jazz. Check out posters from both the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival, highlighting the legacy of jazz culture in the city.

Ryan Gander Unveiling

Date: October 11, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Grant Park

Celebrate the installation of Things just happened to him by contemporary artist Ryan Gander. Located just outside the pedestrian entrance to the Grant Park parking garage, this sculpture is a testament to Atlanta’s commitment to public art.

50 Years, 50 Partners, 50 Experiences

As a special treat, the ELEVATE Festival is offering free access to 50 cultural venues. In collaboration with 50 arts partners, 2,500 free tickets to various events will be available throughout the fall, underscoring the city’s rich cultural offerings.

The ELEVATE Atlanta Public Art Festival, curated by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, aims to enhance the quality of life and contribute positively to the social and economic health of Atlanta. This 50th-anniversary celebration is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to the city’s enduring commitment to nurturing its vibrant arts scene.