Atlanta’s art scene wasn’t always in the spotlight, but today the city’s murals are impossible to ignore. Passionate artists drive increased attention to the art that inspires change, exemplifies social justice, and brings the community together.
Before the 1990s, Atlanta housed little public art except for some sculptures. Thus, Atlanta’s public art did not represent the city’s rich history of civil rights and culture. The absence of large-scale murals stifled public, creative expression for social change.
Living Walls, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that facilitates the creation of murals and art installations, was founded in 2010 to increase the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the public art space. Living Walls is built on the city’s existing creativity, further helping to transform Atlanta into a hub of vibrant public art. Through collaborations with local, out-of-state, and international artists, Living Walls strives to foster dialogue, create community engagement, and make public art a tool for social progress.
Tatiana Bell, the communications director of Living Walls, described how many people often focus so much on the art itself, that they overlook the artist. She stated, “With Living Walls, we make sure to focus on the artist behind the painting too, bringing attention to their stories, their voices, and how they can use public art as a medium for social impact.” By shedding light on these individuals, Living Walls has facilitated over 250 murals in the Atlanta area, transforming once-blank walls into powerful visual stories. Bell pointed out that these murals not only share the stories of individual artists but also the narratives of the communities.
Tatiana Bell, the communications director of Living Walls, described how many people often focus so much on the art itself, that they overlook the artist. She stated, “With Living Walls, we make sure to focus on the artist behind the painting too, bringing attention to their stories, their voices, and how they can use public art as a medium for social impact.” By shedding light on these individuals, Living Walls has facilitated over 250 murals in the Atlanta area, transforming once-blank walls into powerful visual stories. Bell pointed out that these murals not only share the stories of individual artists but also the narratives of the communities.
For instance, Living Walls facilitated “I Am Mine/We Are Ours,” a collection of six murals located on the Arizona-DeKalb Avenue underpass. The project was exciting for Bell because it brought together a total of six women and non-binary artists, some of whom were creating their first murals. The collection’s theme centered around how each artist found their sense of self within their communities. Although their stories varied, the murals came together in a cohesive and powerful expression of identity and belonging. Bell hopes to continue facilitating projects like this, where artists can share their unique perspectives while contributing to a larger, unified message.
Peter Ferrari, an Atlanta-based muralist, said that what once began as his youthful, rebellious expression has transformed into a profound testament to the power of art. After an art show in 2008 at Octane Coffee, Ferrari was invited to paint a mural on the side of his family friend’s building. After this pivotal moment in his life, he went on to create Forward Warrior.
Forward Warrior is an annual mural festival founded in 2012 that brings together local artists to create large-scale murals around the historic Cabbagetown neighborhood. On how this event has helped transform the neighborhood, Ferrari stated that it does not necessarily transform it but instead “takes advantage of what is already there.” The murals amplify the community’s presence, reflecting the thoughts, desires, and creative expressions of the individuals who live there, showcasing the unique essence of the neighborhood.
“this form of art ‘is just so equalizing’”
Ferrari’s favorite part about the event is that it is free and accessible to everyone. There is no gallery atmosphere that might make some people uncomfortable; instead, individuals can stroll past the walls at any time, day or night, and enjoy the artwork. As he puts it, this form of art “is just so equalizing”.
Similarly, in Midtown, the work to transform Atlanta into a central hub for art and expression continues. The Midtown Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Midtown’s urban environment, plays a key role in this transformation. The organization’s broadened focus on the Atlanta community’s public safety and engagement differentiates it from traditional arts organizations.
Lauren Radman, the project manager for urban design and placemaking at Midtown Alliance, shared how the organization works to ensure that the district lives up to its vision. A core part of this goal is Midtown Alliance’s Heart of the Arts program, which consists of various public art-related initiatives that seek to extend art beyond museum walls and into everyday spaces.
“a way of connecting with people’s humanity or getting them to stop and think about things a little bit differently, or to expand their mind”
One of the program’s keystone initiatives is the Artists in Residence program, which provides free studio space to artists, allowing them to focus on their craft while contributing to the community’s artistic identity. Radman explained that the goal is for “arts and the creative process [to be] a defining characteristic of the urban environment,” making Midtown a place where creativity and expression flourish in every corner. She sees art as “a way of connecting with people’s humanity or getting them to stop and think about things a little bit differently, or to expand their mind.”
Georgia Tech, while well-known for its STEM disciplines, also prioritizes public art to complement technological advancement and foster a well-rounded, innovative college community
Fabian Williams’ mural on the Skiles Walkway exemplifies this balance. Williams is a renowned Atlanta artist known for his murals that address identity and social justice; such impactful expression is why Georgia Tech asked him to paint an on-campus artwork. The Skiles Walkway painting celebrates diversity and Georgia Tech’s rich history. Williams embraced Georgia Tech traditions and symbols, featuring iconic elements like Buzz holding the Tech Tower “T” and the Ramblin Wreck. He also incorporated scientific elements like a compound microscope and equations. He wanted students of all different backgrounds, identities, and interests to be able to walk past the Skiles Walkway mural and see themselves in the artwork
Williams’ dedication to making his art resonate with a broad audience goes beyond this single mural and is central to his future work. He believes that “we are compelled to create what we see,” emphasizing that if he paints a brighter picture of tomorrow, “some smart kid will come along and figure out how to do it.”
