What We Are:

Arts Capital | Atlanta is the state’s first coalition of its kind, founded and led by the executive directors of diverse arts institutions across the metro Atlanta area. We unite theater, design, music, dance, and visual arts to cultivate a vibrant cultural ecosystem. Together, we champion the transformative power of arts, advocating for unprecedented investment to elevate Atlanta as the cultural capital of the South.

• Unity in Diversity: We represent all forms of artistic expression, amplifying creative voices and fostering inclusivity. As the first nationwide coalition led by arts executives, we are committed to sustainable change in the arts funding landscape.

• A New Model of Funding: We advocate for unrestricted funding that empowers creativity and innovation across our arts community. Our success in Atlanta will serve as a blueprint for cities nationwide, inspiring similar movements to elevate their arts.

• Impact Beyond Measure: The arts are essential to community well-being, workforce development, and cultural tourism. Our stories and data back this impact.

• Catalyst for Change: By investing in the arts, we are shaping a more vibrant, empathetic, and connected Atlanta that sets the standard for others to emulate.

This effort is being undertaken on behalf of every professional arts nonprofit organization in Metro Atlanta. It is being led by a working group representing the organizations listed below:

Volunteer Nonprofit Working Group

• Adam McKnight, Associate Artistic Director, Ballethnic Dance Company

• Alexander Acosta, Executive Director, Soul Food Cypher

• Alexander Scollon, Managing Director, Actor's Express

• Angela Harris, Executive Artistic Director, Dance Canvas, Inc.

• Anita Farley, Founder Emeritus, Georgia Ensemble Theatre

• Ann-Carol Pence, Co-Founder / Producing Artistic Director, Aurora Theatre 

• Anne Archer Dennington, Executive Director, Flux Projects

• Chandra Stephens-Albright, Managing Director, True Colors Theatre Company

• Chris Escobar, Executive Director, Atlanta Film Festival

• Elizabeth Labbe-Webb, Executive Director, Core Dance

• Emily Lightner, Executive Director, Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/ Douglas County

• Eve Krueger, Associate Artistic Director, Dad's Garage

• Ginny Thompson, Executive Director, ATLANTA YOUNG SINGERS

• Laura Flusche, Executive Director, MODA

• Leslie Gordon, Executive Director, The Breman (formerly Breman Jewish Heritage Museum)

• Mack Headrick, Managing Director, 7 Stages

• Michael Thomas, Chairman, Caribbean  American Cultural Arts Foundation 

• Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company

• Nena Gilreath, CoFounding Director, Ballethnic Dance Company 

• Rachel May, Producing Artistic Director & Co-Founder, Synchronicity Theatre

• Saskia Benjamin, Nonprofit Consultant, Purpose Possible

• Shalondra Henry, Executive Director, Moving in the Spirit

• Tom West, Executive Director , Atlanta Ballet

Facilitator

Arts Capital | Atlanta is facilitated by Laura Hennighausen, Director of Strategic Philanthropy at Purpose Possible, through the generous support of The Zeist Foundation, Imlay Foundation, and The Annie E Casey Foundation.