Atlanta, Georgia – With Adriane V. Jefferson appointed as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), Atlanta’s current arts scene is poised to welcome a new age of development and creativity. Announced by Mayor Andre Dickens, Jefferson will begin her tenure on February 28, 2025, bringing a rich background in cultural equity and arts administration to the bustling Southern metropolis.
Jefferson, who has had a two-decade career, is celebrated nationally for her dedication to using equity and inclusion to change cultural environments. She served Executive Director of New Haven Festivals Inc. and Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven. Jefferson is a prominent player in reshaping the arts administration scene with her powerful projects including the Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge and the Unapologetically Radical Conference.
“Atlanta’s arts and culture are deeply woven into the fabric of our community, reflecting creativity, diversity, progress and authenticity,” said Mayor Andre Dickens in a news release. “Adriane Jefferson is the transformative leader we need to amplify our cultural presence and further our commitment to fostering a city where art and equity thrive together. We are thrilled to welcome her to Atlanta and continue building on our rich legacy of artistic excellence and cultural inclusion for generations to come.”
Jefferson’s arrival in Atlanta marks not just an exciting new chapter for her but also a bright future for the city’s cultural character, which depends on its past, resiliency, and creativity. Her method of managing arts is a dynamic mix of history, civics, and community involvement that fosters deep ties and stimulates creative transformation.
“Atlanta is a city with a powerful cultural identity, fueled by its history, resilience and creativity. I am deeply honored to join this vibrant community and to collaborate with its incredible artists, organizations, creative entrepreneurs and residents to build on this legacy while innovating for the future in bold and transformative ways,” said Adriane Jefferson.
Under Jefferson’s direction, the OCA is expected to keep offering world-class cultural events including the well-known Atlanta Jazz Festival. The office intends to provide grant possibilities for artists and arts organizations, support public art projects reflecting Atlanta’s vitality, and promote cultural equity by championing diverse voices and artistic expressions.
Part of Jefferson’s strategic vision is working with local, national, and international partners to establish Atlanta as a worldwide cultural powerhouse. This involves an emphasis on combining several points of view in the arts to inspire fresh cooperation and assist developing artists.
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The cultural community will also gain from Camille Russell Love’s ongoing expertise as she will be Senior Advisor to the Mayor following 25 years of leadership of OCA. This shift aims to combine new ideas with seasoned experience, therefore enhancing Atlanta’s cultural offerings.
The OCA’s objective remains clear: to establish, support, and preserve cultural projects improving the quality of life for every Atlanta resident as the city expects Jefferson’s leadership. Jefferson is poised to guide Atlanta’s cultural events into a blossoming future with a history of encouraging invention while appreciating artistic legacy. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the OCA’s official website for further information about the Office of Cultural Affairs and forthcoming projects.
