Our public art & placemaking work reinforces Midtown’s identity as ATL’s “Heart of the Arts.”
Through a combination of strategic partnerships, commissioned work, events and special projects, we bring public spaces to life with visual points of interest that create human connection. We’re so proud of these projects, and what they add to Midtown’s amazing community spirit.
Temporary art installations allow room to change over as the urban landscape changes.
Temporary installations are a key focus area of Midtown Alliance’s growing public art program. They provide the freedom to test ideas and the opportunity to refresh the urban landscape periodically.
Autoeater by German artists Julia Venske and Gregor Spänle sparked conversation about Atlanta’s relationship with the automobile in the context of one of the city’s most walkable urban districts.
Rockspinner, artist Zachary Coffin’s 10-ton kinetic sculpture, created a moment of surprise and delight on a busy street corner that invited pedestrians to interact with it and each other.
Pegasus, a living sculpture generously loaned from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, will enhance the arrival experience in the district in a high visibility location along a major east/west corridor.
Among other fun temporary projects we have introduced include the "Los Trompos" collection of spinning booths as an extension of a 2016 High Museum exhibition.
Atlanta artist Fabian Williams at work on a project in the Atlanta History Center's Midtown Campus storefront space along Peachtree Street. Instagram @occasionalsuperstar
When you invite artists into your neighborhood, you get art in your neighborhood.
Creativity and artistic expression are defining characteristics of the urban experience in Midtown. So, we're launching a new program to create partnerships where artists, creatives and arts organizations thrive and Atlanta’s arts economy benefits overall. With a focus on equity and inclusion, Midtown Alliance's "Heart of the Arts" initiative is introducing vibrant artwork in empty storefronts that activates the street level and carries themes of hope, resilience, perseverance and community. Learn more here.
And that's just the beginning. We're also striking up partnerships with Midtown property owners to establish residency programs, giving artists a physical workspace and a firm foundation to build their creative practice in Midtown. Residencies arranged through partnerships with property owners in Midtown will range from 6-18 months and will include a give-back to the community in the form of special programming and events featuring the artists and their work.
Many permanent art installations are revered as timeless landmarks in Midtown.
Permanent art installations are an important part of Midtown’s history and continuing legacy as an arts and cultural district.
Sabine Woman by Dorothy Berge is a commanding figure, commissioned in 1968 to stand in front of Colony Square at Peachtree and 14th Streets. With the property’s redevelopment, this 30-foot tall steel sculpture needed a new home. Midtown Alliance is collaborating with North American Properties and Cousins Properties to relocate Sabine Woman to the southwest corner of Peachtree and 15th Streets, where it will continue to enjoy highly visibility and proximity to the Woodruff Arts Center. Learn more about the project.
The 6-feet tall Sole Sitter bronze sculpture by Willie Cole was acquired by former Atlanta Mayor Reed as a legacy project and will be installed in a new park space on Peachtree Street.
Discover more than 40 murals, sculptures and installations throughout Midtown’s 120 blocks. Download our IN*MidtownATL app and use it to make your own walking tour.
Our lineup of seasonal events are quickly becoming mainstays on Midtown’s social calendar.
Parliament of Owls is Midtown’s Annual owl-themed lantern parade, created by Chantelle Rytter and led by the Black Sheep Ensemble. The parade, traditionally held in August, is a unique community event that gives participants and onlookers alike a whimsical, hands-on opportunity to participate in the arts via lantern-making workshops and DIY masks. Midtowners and visitors of all ages are encouraged to participate at no cost.
Midtown Bright is Midtown’s signature winter lights display. Some 250K LED lights adorn more than 100 trees along Peachtree Street that create corridors of colorful, immersive lighting, punctuated by large-scale Moravian stars to create an atmosphere that sparks wonder and joy.
Midtown Alliance partners with MARTA’s Artbound Live to bring Atlanta’s top musicians to the public sphere. The free weekly musical performances at MARTA’s Midtown and Arts Center Stations lift up transit riders and community members alike.
Other activation work provides opportunities to play, as well as celebrate Midtown’s unique culture and history.
We love games! Outdoor games including table tennis and bean bag toss make Midtown fun. Our maintenance crews keep the equipment in good shape for everyone to enjoy.
We added a piano to the Arts Center MARTA station for everyone to enjoy. The piano features a custom paint job by local artist Jeremy Ray, who not only paints but also tickles the ivories.
Look for historical wayfinding signage throughout the district that denotes points of interest from Midtown’s interesting and quirky past, made possible through a collab with the Atlanta History Center.
Midtown Paws is a celebration of our favorite four-legged community members and encourages Midtown pet owners to get out and explore the district with their dogs (and the occasional adventure cat).