Atlanta Contemporary Art Center facts for kids
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| Established | 1973 (current location since 1989) |
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| Location | 535 Means Street NW Atlanta United States |
Atlanta Contemporary is a special art center in the West Midtown area of Atlanta. It's a place where you can see and learn about modern art. This center helps new and well-known artists show their work. They also create new art pieces. Atlanta Contemporary focuses on artists who haven't had a big show in the Southeast United States. The center also offers art classes and gives artists places to work in their studios.
Contents
History of Atlanta Contemporary
How it Started: Nexus (1973-1984)
Atlanta Contemporary began in 1973. It was started by a group of photographers in Atlanta. Back then, it was called Nexus. It was a small art gallery run by its members and volunteers. Members paid dues to help support it.
In 1976, Nexus grew bigger. The group rented an old elementary school building. This allowed them to offer more programs. They also started to organize their work more formally. Many other art groups found a home there too.
Becoming Nexus Contemporary Art Center (1984-2000)
In 1984, the name changed to Nexus Contemporary Art Center. This new name showed its bigger role in the community. It also showed its goal to support modern art.
During this time, Nexus Press was created. This part of the center made special books by artists. Providing studio spaces for artists also became a very important part of the center.
Finding a Permanent Home (1987-1994)
The center needed a permanent place to stay. In 1987, the board raised nearly $2 million. This money was used to fix up a large warehouse. The warehouse was 35,000 square feet. It was located on Means Street, near the Georgia Tech campus.
The renovation work started in 1989. It was finished in 1994. This move helped to bring new life to the old industrial area of Westside.
Renamed Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (2000-2015)
In 2000, the center changed its name again. It became the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Many people in Atlanta just called it The Contemporary.
In 1999, it was chosen for a special program. This program was from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. It helped the center plan for its future. Nexus Press, which had made over 150 books, closed in 2003.
Atlanta Contemporary Today (2015-Present)
In 2015, the center shortened its name. It is now known simply as Atlanta Contemporary. It continues to be an important part of the Westside community.
In 2009, it helped create the Westside Arts District. This district holds monthly art walks on Saturdays. These events offer educational programs. They are planned together by the art spaces in the district.
The Shop at Atlanta Contemporary
Atlanta Contemporary has a shop where you can buy unique items. The shop sells things made by artists. Many items are also made locally. You can find art books, including some from the old Nexus Press. They also sell exhibition catalogs. Other items include artist-made jewelry and special art multiples. Sometimes, you can even find rare music recordings.
See also
- High Museum of Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
- List of contemporary art museums
