Atlanta BeltLine, National Black Arts Festival to collaborate on public art

The National Black Arts Festival is collaborating with Atlanta Beltline Inc. to bring art to the beltline neighborhoods. CONTRIBUTED

The National Black Arts Festival is collaborating with Atlanta Beltline Inc. to bring art to the beltline neighborhoods. CONTRIBUTED

The Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) have announced a collaboration to enhance art on the Atlanta BeltLine and in the Atlanta BeltLine neighborhoods.

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The organizations plan to share resources to reach a wider group of artists as well as create a more diverse public art experience.

“The National Black Arts Festival is a leader in multidisciplinary arts, and we are thrilled to collaborate with such a respected organization,” said Brian McGowan, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. in a statement. “We look to partners like NBAF for growth and learning opportunities, and we welcome the chance to make Art on the Atlanta BeltLine more inclusive and diverse.”

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ABI recently held a series of community meetings asking for feedback and suggestions about Art on the BeltLine. Results of the conversations suggested the need for ABI to connect to a more diverse group of artists.

The collaboration with NBAF marks part of that effort and is the first in a series of collaborations that will change how Art on the Atlanta BeltLine connects with the communities it touches.

NBAF is the oldest multidisciplinary arts organization in the United States that is focused on the arts and artists of African descent.

“NBAF is honored to be a collaborative partner with ABI to enhance Art on the Atlanta Beltline,” said Vikki Millender-Morrow, President & CEO of National Black Arts Festival in a statement. “Our 30 year legacy of supporting artist of African descent uniquely positions us to support the goals of this project.”