Shantay Robinson
In recent years, particularly through social media, the arts have become more accessible to a greater number of people. Atlanta is at the vanguard of Black visual art, serving as a great model for community engagement as art show audiences increase. Black artists are working outside of large institutions to create opportunities for themselves; they are starting their own nonprofit and for profit organizations in order to make art more accessible and profitable. Though Atlanta is seen as a hip-hop hot spot, the Black community and government agencies in Atlanta are especially supportive of the visual art and artists in the city.
Atlanta's ongoing and unwavering commitment to visual art by providing opportunities has made Atlanta a destination city for the murals, art establishments, events, and of course the people. As a model for what fostering an art community can look like, Atlanta is supportive, inclusive, and progressive. Several organizations that are contributing to Atlanta’s visual art renaissance are engaging with the community often, both in-person and online, with quality events that are impactful and effectual for the artists as well as their audiences.
Visual artists from Atlanta are not only exporting art that is representative of the people to sites the world over, they are building sites in Atlanta to welcome people from all over the world.
Here are some organizations doing great work in Atlanta:
African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) - This organization connects audiences to the work of African diasporic art virtually (for now). While they do not have a physical location yet, some of their Art Salons (discussions with artists and the art adjacent) are available for viewing online. They also offer The Bridge Residency for artists, curators, and scholars in collaboration with Villa Albertine, a French institution.
Articulate Atlanta - For almost 10 years, this nonprofit organization has been a space for artists to show and sell their work. They combine visual art, painting, graffiti, graphic design, fashion, body painting, sculpture, photography and installations and music in a celebration of arts in all forms. Their goal is to promote culturally significant work through events that they design to create networks that will spur creativity.
Black Art in America (BAIA) - In addition to their online portal that houses art for sale, BAIA recently opened its doors to a custom-built gallery in Atlanta after being located in Columbus Georgia for many years. BAIA is a leading force in the Black Art market with visitors from more than 100 countries viewing the site each month.
Hammonds House Museum - The space is tucked away in the historic West End section of Atlanta in a former home of the museum’s namesake, Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds. The permanent collection includes more than 450 artworks, including works by Sam Giliam, Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Duncanson and more.
High Museum of Art - This museum, although not a completely Black space, does feature an African collection that includes masks, ceremonial regalia, sculptures and more. The vast folk art collection includes many works by African American artists, including Thornton Dial and Lonnie Holley. They also hold a vessel from David “Dave the Potter” Drake, in its collection.
If you’re in Atlanta, make it a point to visit at least one of these locations to experience Black art in person. And if you’re not in the area, ADAMA’s and BAIA’s online presences have you covered.