Arts & Culture Department Overview in Fulton County

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE Mission We believe the arts are essential to the quality of life of our citizens and to the economic and social health of our communities. Program Overview- Fulton County Arts & Culture is both partner and catalyst in developing new arts opportunities in Fulton County and supports programs that ensure broad access to the arts in Fulton County s 15 municipalities and unincorporated areas. DAVID MANUEL DIRECTOR DR. JOYCELYN J. FOWLER DEPUTY DIRECTOR

PUBLIC ART The Fulton County Public Art Program is a celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Founded in 1993, our program ensures that one percent of any County capital project goes towards the creation and maintenance of public art. With over 60 commissioned works and 800 artworks in our collection, we continue to inspire and enrich the lives of our residents and visitors alike.

PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS COMMISSION AND ACQUIRE PUBLIC ART PUBLIC ART FUTURES LAB ART-ON-LOAN PROGRAM PUBLIC ART CONSERRVATION

COMMISSION AND ACQUIRE PUBLIC ART The Public Art Program selects artists for commissions and acquisitions through a citizen-driven panel process. A community selection panel is appointed for each project; their responsibility is to review submissions, select and interview finalists and recommend one artist to receive the commission. The panel is comprised of community residents or facility users, arts professionals, members of the Art Council, and relevant members of the construction team. Artists interested in being considered for any public art project should follow us on social media and subscribe to our email.

PUBLIC ART FUTURES LAB In 2021, we launched the Public Art Futures Lab. The lab is a physical and online space to exhibit, experiment, educate, and experience the role of technology and its intersection with public art. By reducing barriers to create and participate in these emerging forms of art, the Lab seeks to expand access to cultural enrichment for our residents, provide the tools for artists to thrive in a digital economy, and ensure Fulton County Government and the Atlanta region take a national role in leading the broader adoption of technology in the arts.

ART-ON-LOAN PROGRAM The Art-on-Loan Program was created in 1995 to offer County departments a limited selection of framed original artwork, fine art prints and posters. The program s collection includes approximately 500 works for display in the public spaces of Fulton County departments. The purpose of the Art- on-Loan Program is to enliven the public spaces and create a more welcoming environment for our patrons while providing an opportunity to showcase the talented arts community of Fulton County.

PUBLIC ART CONSERVATION Our collection consists of more than 60 commissions at sites around the County in the libraries, senior centers, health centers, government buildings, and art centers. In preserving and maintaining the Public Art Collection, each site is visited on a regular basis, and each artwork is cleaned, assessed, and documented. Because the artwork is in the public sphere, there are times that the artwork is damaged or, over time, needs repair. The Public Art Conservator determines the condition of the art and the conservation treatment needed to ensure that the artwork is preserved in the best condition. To learn more about our work the videos from Ask a Conservator Day (held in November each year).

CONTRACT FOR SERVICES PROGRAM The Contracts for Services (CFS) program strives to strengthen the cultural health of individual, organizations, and communities by awarding funding to non-profit organizations and individuals whose arts programming supports the Department s overall mission.

CFS PROGRAM GOALS Providing cultural access for the diverse citizenry of Fulton County, with a focus on youth, seniors, people with disabilities and underserved populations. Service as a catalyst for stabilizing arts and cultural organizations throughout Fulton County. Creating an environment that encourages growth and development of arts organizations. Stimulating neighborhood development and facilitating the with communities throughout Fulton County. Fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors of Fulton County. Contributing to the economic well-being of the community, including the ability to attract new business and residents.`

CONTRACT FOR SERVICES PROGRAM The Contracts for Services (CFS) Program provides unrestricted general operating and project support to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, arts & culture organizations, culture institutions, colleges and universities as well as units of government that produce or present ongoing arts programming open to the public. Contractors present programs that reflect Fulton County s cultural diversity, and capture the imagination of adults, families, and youth, invigorate neighborhood growth, support economic development, and provides jobs.

CFS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS New applicants are required to register for a Fulton County vendor code as the first step in the application process using the vendor code self- service system. Applications without a confirmed vendor code will be considered ineligible for funding consideration. Returning applicants are encouraged to complete an annual update of vendor information in self-registration system including address and contact. To access the vendor self-service site at: www.fultonvendorselfservice.co.fulton.ga.us.

CFS THINGS TO REMEMBER Deadlines for submission of accurate and complete applications and final reports will be strictly enforced. Organizations interested in applying should review the guidelines available at www.fultonarts.org and contact CFS staff early in the planning process to verify eligibility. Staff members are available to assist organizations throughout the application process.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Creative Like Me is a collaboration between Fulton County Arts and Culture (FCAC) through the Public Art Program, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental disabilities (BHDD). This award- winning initiative seeks to provide creative enrichment opportunities to BHDD clients that meets them at their individual learning needs. We are extremely proud of what this collaboration has achieved .

POLICY FOR FULTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Equity Goal: Expand equitable access and increase opportunities for quality arts experiences to all Fulton County residents with particular emphasis on under resourced communities. Equity Policy: Encourage municipalities to incorporate arts and culture into citywide planning to build capacity and inspire sustainability. Direct arts and culture funding and programming to under-resourced communities through strategic partnerships. Create citywide and countywide efforts to address arts resources equity throughout Fulton County. Build capacity of under-resourced communities to influence decisions of local development processes.

POLICY FOR FULTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Strategies: Encourage municipalities to incorporate arts and culture into citywide planning to build capacity and inspire sustainability. Address barriers in grant making process to assist entities in under resourced communities with successfully completing an application. Address district- wide art services equity barriers by strengthening infrastructure building, human capacity and providing financial resources. Invest in community development design processes guided by local artists and arts organizations in under-resourced community. Develop tactical partnerships among artists, activists, businesses, and policymakers to discuss and activate arts and culture roles in strengthening communities.

CONTACT US A better future is possible. Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself. Fulton County Arts & Culture 141 Pryor St. SW, Suite 2030 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 404.612.5780 www.Fultonarts.org