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MISSION
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (ACAC) is a non-collecting institution dedicated to the creation, presentation, and advancement of contemporary art by emerging and established artists. ACAC creates a diverse cultural landscape for artists, arts professionals, and the art-interested public through its exhibitions, educational programming, and studio artist program.
Founded in 1973 as Nexus, a grassroots artist’s cooperative, ACAC has become one of the southeast’s leading contemporary art centers. We play a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural landscape by presenting cutting-edge contemporary art reflective of the world around us, offering diverse educational programming for people of all ages, and supporting working artists and their creative process.
ACAC presents 8-10 exhibitions per year featuring consequential artists from the local to international art scenes. We are one of the few local institutions that commissions new works by artists. We pay particular attention to artists of note who have not had a significant exhibition in the southeast. We organize approximately 50 diverse educational offerings a year unrivaled by other local organizations of our size. We are the only local institution providing on-site subsidized studio space to 14 working artists, removing cost as a barrier to the creative process. We are free to the public every Thursday with extended hours and programming removing time and cost as barriers to participation.
VISION
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is a leader in the presentation of consequential contemporary art from around the world, and a destination for diverse art-loving audiences. The state-of-the-art facility allows a diverse range of exhibitions and educational programs including an expanded Studio Artist Program. These programs play a significant role in the advancement of the careers of artists and arts professionals as well as the engagement of diverse audiences. ACAC is empowered by a significant financial endowment, coupled with foundation, corporate, individual, and member support. With a four-decade long commitment to experimentation, understanding, and collaboration, ACAC is a driving force in Atlanta’s cultural community.
