Arts & Entertainment Atlanta (A&E Atlanta) is a neighborhood activation and economic development initiative for Downtown Atlanta. A&E Atlanta celebrates our creative community by showcasing their work in a way that brings more vibrancy and excitement to the unique space of Downtown.

The signs and associated programming and installations are intended to authentically reflect the vibrancy, diversity, and creativity of the City as a whole by activating Downtown streets and public spaces, leveraging the talents of Atlanta’s diverse and thriving music, art, and sports culture. The program fuses new media, local art, performance, and advertising and funds cultural and public space programming in the city’s core.

Managed by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), The Arts and Entertainment District self-funds its' administration and programming through revenue-sharing agreements with media companies within the District. Currently, two media partners are active with the district: BIG Outdoor and Orange Barrel Media (OBM). An Advisory Council is comprised of individuals that represent the community, including Downtown residents and business, entertainment, and arts and culture leaders.

In collaboration with media partners Orange Barrel Media and BIG Outdoor, A&E Atlanta has presented over 20 digital campaigns that have strengthened community messaging.

So far, campaign topics have included support for AAPI communities, voter advocacy, COVID-19 testing information, combatting antisemitism, honoring the late Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian, messages welcoming people to the Downtown core, and more.

Community messaging also includes the regular promotion of local arts events like the Atlanta Design Festival, ELEVATE, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival.

In 2021, A&E Atlanta launched Local Stories as a cultural programming component, using specific digital sign locations as a platform to present the hidden and unique history of Downtown Atlanta. The short segments are designed to pique observers’ interest and encourage them to visit the A&E Atlanta website for the full story.

In 2022, A&E Atlanta worked with curators EuGene V. Byrd III, Corey Oberlander, and Lindsey Stapleton to select Atlanta artists to each interpret a local story through a visual lens. The seven stories were displayed at Margaret Mitchell Square by the following artists: Melissa Holmes, Karo Durojaiye, Kristan Woolford, Na’iim Shareef (curated by EuGene V. Byrd III), Alexis Childress, Courtney McClellan, and William Downs (curated by Corey Oberlander & Lindsey Stapleton). A&E Atlanta will continue to engage artists annually to contribute to the growing portfolio of unique stories.

The Fulton County Public Art Futures Lab offers physical and digital space for artists to exhibit, experiment, educate and experience the role of technology and its intersection with public art. As a program partner, A&E Atlanta sponsored two artist residencies in 2022 and both artists were charged with elevating digital content through innovative technology while simultaneously providing meaningful, exciting content authentic to Downtown.

2022 Residents included Salvador Iglesias and Eddie Farr. Each artist will have their work showcased on the digital signs and on the A&E Atlanta website. Beginning in 2023, A&E Atlanta will support six artists annually.

Not all A&E Atlanta initiatives are digital or temporary; several significant works by local and internationally renowned artists are now on display. These works punctuate the urban landscape with beautiful pops of color and thought-provoking messaging. In 2022, three notable public art installations are now a part of the Downtown landscape thanks to the partnership with Orange Barrel Media (OBM). These new highlights to downtown include: Look At Them Look At Us by Genevieve Gaignard, Lenticular Wall by HENSE (Alex Brewer), and Color Connection by Ash "Wolfdog" Hayner.

Photos below provided courtesy of Orange Barrel Media.