Elevate Art

Experience Atlanta’s public art scene like never before

This event may have been changed due to COVID-19 outbreak precautions. Please check official event and venue websites to confirm the status.

When: September 5 – October 31, 2021
Where: Eight different neighborhoods

This year’s ELEVATE Atlanta Art Festival is different from past years. Normally it takes place during 10 days in a particular neighborhood. Because of the pandemic and its effect on artists and the arts community, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs wanted to do more this year. As a result, the festival expanded to two months – eight weekends in eight different neighborhoods.

In addition to promoting community happenings such as festivals and plays, Elevate also includes curated and produced events. ELEVATE 2021: REOPEN, REIGNITE & RECONNECT is a gift to the city. Check back here weekly to find out what surprises ELEVATE has in store each weekend through Oct. 31.

2021 Elevate schedule

Week 8: Southwest – October 29-31

TANZ FARM: A CONTEMPORARY ANTHOLOGY: THE RUNNING PROJECT

Conceived by Morgan Bobrow-Williams in response to the modern-day lynching of Ahmaud Arbery, The Running Project is an evolving gallery of multidisciplinary art works and live performances centered on movement that engages with and investigates the action and abstract concept of running when applied to the African American body and identity. The Running Project calls attention to ongoing racial injustices against Black people in the US. gloATL is presenting this project.
Check website for dates, times, and locations.
When:  All week
Where:  Gallery 992, 992 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.; Westview Corner Grocery, 1562 Ralph David Abernathy

LOVE LETTER TO SOUTHWEST ATLANTA – OUTSIDE ARTWORK EXHIBITION BY STRAIGHT TO TELL

An ongoing collaboration between Straight to Tell and Kendall Bessent, Love Letter to Southwest Atlanta is a photography, design and written exhibit that highlights local, small, Black-owned businesses. The exhibit was created to express gratitude for these businesses and to encourage patronage. Exhibit images will be projected on the building’s exterior.
When:  All weekend
Where:  1068 Arlington Ave, SW

SENSUARY AT EYEDRUM

eyedrum presents a 3-day multimedia experience designed to engage the senses, body, and creative mind, curated by Atlanta artist Kirstin Mitchell, and featuring DJ Taradactyl, Gage Gilmore, Tom Hiel and Deisha Oliver.
When:  October 29-31, 2021
Where:  eyedrum, 515 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.

ART IN SCHOOL, COMMUNITY FALL FESTIVAL FROM LEARNING IN COLOR

This is a community event at Paul Dunbar Elementary School in the historic Mechanicsville community. Students, staff, parents, and local community members are invited to participate in a mural project led by artist Aysha Pennerman of Impactful Brush and watch the incredible artistry of Fabian “Occasional Superstar” Williams. There will be food, games, prizes, and treats!
When:  October 29, 2021, 3-4 p.m.
Where:  Paul L. Dunbar Elementary

LANTERN JAZZ FUNERAL FOR REX KING OF CATS

We are excited to have the Queen of lantern parades, Chantelle Rytter, be part of ELEVATE this year. She has orchestrated and will lead a Lantern Jazz Funeral parade in honor and celebration of her beloved orange cat, Rex.
When:  October 29, 2021, 6:45 p.m.
Where:  Beginning and ending at CreateATL, 900 Murphy Ave. Sw, Atlanta, GA 30310

DANCE PERFORMANCE OF “PERMANENT” BY KOMANSÉ DANCE THEATER

Attendees will enjoy a live performance of the newest creation from “Permanent,” a unique collaboration between ADAMA and Komansé Dance Theater, in partnership with the High Museum of Art. The performance will be an original interdisciplinary art experience inspired by works by Black artists in the museum’s collection. Afterwards there will be a Q&A with the artists. This event is outdoors.
When:  October 29, 2021, 7 p.m.
Where:  Fort McPherson, 1255 Thorne Ave.

SPREAD LOVE AND HAMMONDS HOUSE MUSEUM PRESENT WORLD PARTY

Join us for a soulful musical experience in the heart of the city! WORLD PARTY will evoke an international festival with African Diaspora films, a craft market, dancers, drummers and more. The evening will feature a soundscape designed by DJ Kemit and a lineup of renowned guest DJs. This free event is outdoors.
When:  October 29, 2021, 7-11 p.m.
Where:  Hammond’s House Museum, 503 Peeples Street SW.

ZACHARY TODD’S IN THE FACE OF FEAR

Told through the lens of contemporary dance, In The Face Of Fear explores how we confront and overcome our deepest fears and trepidations. This collaborative dance showcase features thought-provoking works by established and emerging Atlanta choreographers. Kareem Best, Indya Childs, Xavier DeMar, Zuri Ford, Veronica Silk, Thulani Vereen, Jamal Kamau White, and Kaleigh Woodruff will debut original works. This event is free but requires an RSVP.
When:  October 29-30, 2021, 8-10 p.m.
Where:  The B Complex, 1272 Murphy Ave SW

11TH ANNUAL MUSIC IN THE PARK AT GORDON-WHITE PARK

The 11th Annual MUSIC IN THE PARK will be an incredible day of fun for the community featuring performances by Brenda Nicole Moorer, Kebbi Williams and WolfPack, Julie Dexter, Kevin Oliver, DJ Cozy Shawn, Zacchae’us Paul, and Russell Gunn and the Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra!
When:  October 30, 2021, 1-6 p.m.
Where:  Gordon-White Park, 1350 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW

ELEVATE CLOSING WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Music by Salah Ananse and DJ Kemit will get the crowd moving. Artist, curator, and fashion designer Jennifer Sutton is presenting an art exhibit, and a fashion show featuring her work and designs from other local artists. Singer/songwriter Luna and storyteller John Stephens will produce Mirror Magic: Way Up, an immersive experience based on Luna’s debut album The Mirror is Me. Guests will enjoy food trucks, performances, and art installations by ARTiculate.
When:  October 30, 2021, 6-10 p.m.
Where:  MET Atlanta, 680 Murphy Ave SW

THE PULL UP PROJECT – PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA ALEXANDER

Wear your favorite outfit and schedule a session with The Pull Up Project to have your portrait taken by one of Atlanta’s hottest photographers, Melissa Alexander.
When:  October 29-30, 2021, 6-10 p.m., October 31, 2021, 1-5 p.m.
Where:  MET Atlanta, 680 Murphy Ave SW

BODYFOLD AT MINT GALLERY

Curated by Caleb Jamel Brown in collaboration with choreographer Austyn Rich, Bodyfold is a performance-based fashion show. It features the work of five local emerging Black designers who employs patchwork and African American traditions of collage and assemblage in their work. Their garments will be displayed alongside works of art. Dancers will add another dimension to the show.
When:  October 30, 2021, 8-10 p.m.
Where:  MET Atlanta, 680 Murphy Ave SW

DRIVE-IN SCREENING OF BOO 2! A MADEA HALLOWEEN

Start your Halloween with this hilarious comedy-horror film written, directed by and starring Tyler Perry. Madea, Bam and Hattie venture to a haunted campground and must run for their lives when monsters, goblins, and the boogeyman are unleashed. This event is outside.
When:  October 30, 2021, 7 p.m.
Where:  Fort McPherson, 1794 Walker Ave SW

PITTSBURGH: PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

An innovative storytelling project under the guidance of the Pittsburgh Community Market will culminate in a live and filmed experience. Led by artists Tron Banks (Tronzai Media) and Shannon Turner (StoryMuse), intergenerational pairings of residents will share stories about the Pittsburgh community – past and present – and together envision the community’s future.
When:  October 30, 2021, 7 p.m.
Where:  Pittsburgh Yards, 352 University Ave SW

SIN MIEDO FROM LA CHOLOTECA

Join La Choloteca for their 5th Anniversary Celebration! The Halloween-themed Sin Miedo (Fearless) will focus on uplifting Latinx femme artists and feature DJs, local and national talent, and Latinx food vendors. Planned Parenthood, SE is a partner.
When:  October 30, 2021, 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where:  Wild Heaven Brewery, 1010 White St SW

WASHING OUR MOTHERS PROJECT

Enjoy a live participatory performance and installation.
When:  October 31, 2021, 1 p.m.
Where:  Day & Night Projects, 585 Wells St. SW

A SOUL AFFAIR

Enjoy food and drinks from Best End Brewing while enjoying the fall weather with a live concert featuring singer and songwriter Somalia, Jada Nycole Ellise, and Havier Daivon.
When:  October 31, 2021, 2 p.m.
Where:  Best End Brewing Co., 1036 White St. SW

SCREENING OF SPRING AND 3RD

Get your tickets now for a special screening of the new documentary Spring and 3rd, the fascinating history of Yin Yang Music Café, a small Atlanta dive bar that was the proving ground for artists like Joi, Anthony David, India Arie, Bonecrusher and Lil’ John Roberts. The screening is free, but an RSVP is required.
When:  October 31, 2021, 6 p.m.
Where:  Pittsburgh Yards, 352 University Ave SW.

Insider tips

• Elevate Art is produced by the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Atlanta. Elevate was placed in the top 50 public art projects in the Nation through Americans for the Arts Public Art Network, as well as the top 10 projects for City Livability. 
• King + Duke has crafted a special cocktail “Reignite the Arts” for Elevate lovers. Here is the mix: bourbon, wildflower honey+ginger, lemon, smoky scotch. Not enough? Here are a few more options: “Still Life” from JCT. Kitchen & Bar, “Rockwell’s Cocktail” from The Optimist and “Papa & Picasso” from Marcel.

Know before you go

What is the contact information of Elevate Art?

160 Trinity Avenue,
Atlanta, GA 30303