City of Atlanta Celebrates ‘ELEVATE: 50 Years of Culture’

The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs announces the return of ELEVATE, which will celebrate five decades of art and culture this year. Set to take place on the weekends between Friday, September 20 and Sunday, October 13, 2024, ELEVATE: 50 Years of Culture will offer the public the opportunity to engage with a dynamic lineup of cultural events. The events featured, which showcase the influence the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs has had on the arts in Atlanta include: * **Opening Event: How it All Began -A Conversation on 50 Years of Culture** **Date:** September 20, 2024 **Time:** 5:00 PM **Location:** Hill Auditorium, High Museum of Art The ELEVATE: 50 Years of Culture Festival will kick off with a compelling panel discussion led by esteemed cultural historian Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado. Join former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Michael Lomax, and Rob Rivers as they delve into the origins and evolution of the Office of Cultural Affairs.

This engaging conversation will explore the pivotal moments that have shaped Atlanta’s cultural landscape over the past five decades. * **A Day in the Park with the Arts: A Kids Festival** **Date:** September 21, 2024 **Time:** 1:00 PM **Location:** Piedmont Park Promenade Celebrate art and creativity with the whole family at A Day in the Park with the Arts. This vibrant kids' festival will feature the Imagination Station hosted by MODA, a 20'x40' interactive art experience designed to inspire young minds. Enjoy a captivating Drum Call and Dance performance by the Ailey Kids, an improvisation experience by Dad’s Garage, followed by an energetic live show by Divinity Roxx at 3:00 PM. The event will also include a book giveaway and a Healthy Foods Snack Table to keep everyone nourished and entertained.

* **50 Years of Atlanta Cinema** **Date:** September 22, 2024 **Time:** 3:00 PM **Location:** Plaza Theatre Join us for a cinematic journey through five decades of culture in Atlanta. Through a series of short films, documentaries and feature films, attendees will explore the diverse voices and moments that have contributed to Atlanta's dynamic cultural landscape. * **Steele Bridge Art Installation / Take It to the Bridge** **Date:** September 27, 2024 **Time:** 5:00 PM **Location:** Steele Bridge Explore the Steele Bridge Art Installation featuring 35 fine art reproductions from Atlanta’s permanent collection. This exhibition serves as a visual celebration of the city’s rich artistic heritage, showcasing works displayed in public spaces throughout the city. The event also doubles as a networking opportunity for Atlanta artists, with music provided by DJ Selorm Attikpo, in partnership with France-Atlanta and Villa Albertine.

* **Sister City Mural Unveiling in collaboration with** **The Mayor's Office of International & Immigrant Affairs** **Date:** September 28, 2024 **Time:** 12:00 PM **Location:** The Underground Join us for the unveiling of a new mural "Old Tunes Awaken the Young Spirit" by artist Chinemerem Omeh from Lagos, Nigeria in Underground Atlanta.