Elevate: Art Above Underground

 News Release

The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs

Brings Public Art Program to Downtown Atlanta

Elevate / Art Above Underground, presents an assortment of exhibitions showcasing

Local, National and International talent

Atlanta, Ga. -The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program officially launches Elevate / Art Above Underground August 26 - October 30, 2011. Elevate / Art Above Underground, is a temporary art event featuring innovative projects by local, national and international artists along the Upper Alabama Street Corridor and surrounding areas in central downtown Atlanta.  

Elevate / Art Above Underground as an initiative of the Office of Cultural Affairs’ Public Art Program, brings public art to downtown Atlanta that will stimulate an emerging interest in public art and downtown Atlanta. Elevate will present an assortment of exhibitions ranging from large murals to highly conceptual art with a focus on showcasing local talent.

"Underground Atlanta is looking forward to the launch of Elevate/Art Above Underground," says William P. Ciccaglione, General Manager of Underground Atlanta.  "Stimulating educational, economic and cultural growth, the arts play a vital role in our community and we are thrilled to be a part of this unique public art program that will highlight Underground Atlanta and our vibrant downtown."

Programming for Elevate / Art Above Underground, will continue throughout the 66 days and be free and open to the public.  Artists and Organizations supported by Elevate and The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs are as follows:

2 Kids and a Dream Richard Arnold Lillian Blades Chris Chambers Carlos Eguiguren Sarah Emerson Escif Lelavision Living Walls

LNY Alice Lovelace Ola Bad Fahamu Pecou Allison Rentz Sam3 Sunday Southern Art Revival Nathan Sharratt

Deanna Sirlin Priscilla Smith Ruth Stanford Théâtre du Rêve Lisa Tuttle Valeria Yamamoto Edward Wenzer Martha Whittington WonderRoot

“Public Art installations throughout Atlanta will birth an appreciation for art in and around Atlanta.  The addition of Elevate / Art Above Underground to the public art offerings will allow residents and visitors to explore art within a context of a culturally rich city which will contribute to the image of Atlanta as a thriving cultural hub,” -- Camille Russell Love, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs.

The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs works to enhance Atlanta's reputation as a cultural destination. The OCA supports programs that educate and expose the public to a variety of cultural offerings in order to inspire residents and visitors to experience Atlanta’s cultural community. The Public Art Program is responsible for public art stewardship within the City of Atlanta. For more information visit: www.ocaatlanta.com/Elevate