National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $25 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2018. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $15,000 to the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP) for Art on the Atlanta BeltLine. The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and/or the strengthening of communities through the arts.
“It is energizing to see the impact that the arts are making throughout the United States. These NEA-supported projects, such as this one to the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, are good examples of how the arts build stronger and more vibrant communities, improve well-being, prepare our children to succeed, and increase the quality of our lives,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “At the National Endowment for the Arts, we believe that all people should have access to the joy, opportunities and connections the arts bring.”
“The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership appreciates the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts,” said ABP Executive Director Rob Brawner. “Art on the Atlanta BeltLine provides access to public art for everyone and is representative of the broad public/private partnerships that are necessary to bring the Atlanta BeltLine vision to life. We’d also like to thank Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. for their leadership and vision in creating what has become the south’s largest temporary public art exhibition and one of Atlanta’s most popular public art events.”
“Art on the Atlanta BeltLine would not be possible without the support of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and patron organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Brian McGowan, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “Once again, we are excited that the exhibition’s potential to promote equity and inclusivity in the arts culture has been recognized on a national level. This year, the award from NEA will have a profound impact on the program as we respond to the community’s vision for Art on the Atlanta BeltLine.”
Art on the Atlanta BeltLine is the largest temporary public art exhibition in the history of Atlanta. It showcases the work of hundreds of visual artists, performers, and musicians along the Atlanta BeltLine corridor. This spectacular project places working professionals alongside emerging artists, and draws residents and visitors into some of the most unique public spaces in the City of Atlanta, providing powerful new perspectives on the city and its vibrant neighborhoods. The exhibition showcases how art strengthens and beautifies current and former industrial areas and creates signature spaces exemplifying the transformation of the city through the Atlanta BeltLine. Art on the Atlanta BeltLine touches almost 20 intown communities. Art on the Atlanta BeltLine is programmed by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and receives support from the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and public and private donors.
For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
