Atlanta Beltline Art Invites Artists & Community Members to Help Shape 2026 Exhibition

Atlanta Beltline Art, the public art initiative that annually transforms the Beltline corridor into one of the nation’s largest outdoor galleries, is inviting the public to take part in bringing new creative works and cultural experiences to the trail for its 2026 exhibition season.

Beginning this month, three new opportunities are open for application: the Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee (BPAAC), the Arts & Culture Review Panel, and the Public Art Artist Registry.

The open calls come as Atlanta Beltline prepares for an eventful 202,6 to include the completion of another significant portion of the 22-mile trail and an increase in visitors as the entire city prepares for FIFA World Cup™. 

Since 2010, the Beltline has activated the expanding trail into a living canvas that showcases the diversity, creativity and energy of Atlanta’s communities. It annually brings hundreds of temporary artworks and live performance experiences to the trail as well as surrounding parks and neighborhoods. Each year, the program works to expand access, elevate emerging voices and strengthen Atlanta’s identity as a hub for creativity.

These calls for participation are a direct reflection of that mission by providing more opportunities for local artists and ensuring that decision-making around public art is transparent, equitable and reflective of the community.

Arts Funding Renewal
Atlanta Beltline Art announces these calls as it receives another round of significant funding. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded $25,000; the Georgia Council for the Arts awarded $5,000; and Fulton County Arts & Culture awarded $32,000. 

“These gifts are especially noteworthy as arts funding continues to decline nationally,” said Amina Cooper, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s Director of Arts & Culture. “Public art is central to the Beltline experience, and these gifts help ensure our program’s continuation and expansion. We are only able to deepen our artist pool and broaden our annual exhibition with the support of institutions like these.”  

Additional details on the three open calls can be found below. Applicants should review eligibility requirements and submission guidelines on the Atlanta Beltline website. All three opportunities have distinct application processes and deadlines. Early submission is encouraged. For questions or additional information, contact Atlanta Beltline Art via email at art@atlbeltline.org. For more information on Atlanta Beltline Art, visit beltline.org/art. 

Atlanta Beltline Art Open Calls
Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee (BPAAC)
Application Deadline: Friday, Jan. 2, 3:30 p.m. EST
The Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee plays a critical role in guiding the curatorial direction of Atlanta Beltline Art. The Beltline created BPAAC to serve as an advisory committee to the Atlanta Beltline Art Program by working closely with staff to review and advise on public art projects and commissions. The committee reviews Atlanta Beltline Art’s panel -selected artists, external exhibition proposals, creative partnerships, and more. Applicants must live within the City of Atlanta, ideally in a Beltline-adjacent neighborhood. Membership is a two-year volunteer role and meets monthly.

Pre-Qualified Public Art Artist Registry
Application Deadline: Friday, Jan. 16, 3:30 p.m. EST 
Atlanta Beltline Art is also accepting applications for its Pre-Qualified Public Art Artist Registry, a pool of vetted visual and performing artists considered for future projects along the Beltline. Artists working across mediums, including sculpture, murals, dance, music, theater, photography, fashion, film and more, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including residency or business operations within the City of Atlanta.

Arts and Culture Review Panel
Application Deadline: Friday, Jan. 30, 3:30 p.m. EST
The Arts & Culture Review Panel serves as the first phase of the review process for a variety of artistic and cultural project proposals. Panelists then make formal recommendations to the Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee (BPAAC). The panel is made up of a mix of local residents, art professionals, community representatives, and knowledgeable laypersons. Each panel is composed to ensure diverse points of view are provided and considered throughout the process.

The 2026 Atlanta Beltline Art exhibition and programming are sponsored by Delta Air Lines and Norfolk Southern at the Gold level; Northside Hospital and Ponce City Market at the Silver level; and Cox Enterprises at the Bronze level, with additional philanthropic funding from the Atlanta Foundation.

This program is also supported in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly and funding from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts. Atlanta Beltline Art also receives direct support through an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

About Atlanta Beltline Art
Atlanta Beltline Art is the largest outdoor temporary art exhibition in the southeast, activating spaces along roughly 12 miles of the planned 22-mile corridor. The public art featured in the annual exhibition is carefully selected by an arts and culture expert jury and community members based on set criteria that aim to be as inclusive and equitable as possible. The linear gallery represents artists from across the region in a variety of mediums: sculpture, murals, dance, music, theater, photography, fashion, film and more. The Beltline welcomes over 2 million users a year, who are exposed to a number of art installations from the temporary and continuing exhibitions. To date, more than 90 projects have been commissioned as a part of the growing year-round collection. Stay abreast of Atlanta Beltline Art announcements and events at Beltline.org/art, or follow on social media @AtlantaBeltline and with #BeltlineArt.

About the Atlanta Beltline 
The Atlanta Beltline is the 22-mile rail-to-trail project that is transforming Atlanta’s neighborhoods, one mile at a time. The Beltline’s vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. With an additional 11 miles of connector trails, the Atlanta Beltline is one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States. In partnership with local communities and organizations, the Beltline is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, vibrant public spaces, and community-focused programs that promote health and wellness, resident retention, volunteerism, and advocacy along the corridor. Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is the official implementation agency for the Atlanta Beltline and collaborates with Atlanta Beltline Partnership, the foundation that raises private and philanthropic funds and delivers community programs that are fully supported by donor contributions. For more information, please visit www.beltline.org or follow on social media at @atlantabeltline.

Media Contacts:
Atlanta Beltline, Inc. Office of Communications and Media Relations
100 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303

Keona Swindler, Communications & Media Relations Manager       
404.477.3550, kswindler@atlbeltline.org    

Sigele Winbush, PR Consultant
404.862.2081, sigele@sigelewinbush.com