The multicultural event ELEVATE 2022: OPEN SPACES will take place on weekends from Sept. 16 through October in venues across Atlanta. All events are free and open to the public.
“Our theme is Open Spaces and many of the events will take place outdoors in parks, pavilions, and a variety of public places,” said Camille Russell Love, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “During this year’s festival we will present music and dance performances, poetry readings, creative conversations, art installations, and interactive experiences to engage with the community, celebrate the wealth of creative talent in Atlanta, and enliven OPEN SPACES!”
Among highlights:
- The Sunset Carnavale is an interactive art experience using projection mapping technology. The event will include a performance by Moesha13, an underground French icon who sings and DJs and produces a unique blend of rap and hardcore; music by Junkanoo Band; tunes from Atlanta’s hottest DJ’s including Salah Ananse and DJ Kemit; live painting; carnival dancers; and performance artists such as stilt walkers and cosplayers. This indoor and outdoor event will take place at Ali at Lakewood, 4-10 p.m. Sept. 25.
- Atlanta Art Week is a new initiative dedicated to showcasing arts and culture and bringing awareness to the contemporary art scene in Atlanta, with the goal of nurturing a stronger base for artists, art enthusiasts and collectors. This year’s event will consist of activities at more than 20 galleries, museums, artist, and non-profit spaces where there will be exhibitions, tours, and panel discussions. ELEVATE: OPENS SPACES is partnering with Atlanta Art Week on their inaugural event which will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at various times.
- Nathalie Stutzmann conducts Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 8 p.m. Oct. 8. The performance will be simulcast in Sifly Piazza. Outdoor seating will be available, and guests are invited to bring their own chairs, food and beverages. To reach symphony fans who can’t attend in person, the simulcast will be livestreamed and made available online post-concert through YouTube, social media, and the ASO’s website.
- “Come Together,” curated by Cat Eye Creative, will bring the city together for a collaborative community mural painting; a group art exhibition featuring work by Lucy Luckovich, Erin Nicole Henry, Manic Lawd and Andrew Munoz; artist talks; art education classes; and a block party. Events are all-inclusive, and immersive, and will take place in their indoor and outdoor galleries, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at various times.
- “Color and Body,” features poet, professor, and short story writer Opal Moore moderating five accomplished poets who will read original poetry and engage with an Atlanta audience in a creative conversation. The poetry and discussion will explore an aspect of science (physics) and the physicality of color through the body as conceptualized by artist Deanna Sirlin’s exhibition, Wavelength. The event will be recorded to share online with a global audience. The event will take place at the Chastain Arts Center 2-4 p.m. Oct. 1.
- Atlanta Freedom Bands celebrates Atlanta Pride Week 3-5 p.m. Oct. 2 with a Pops in the Parkconcert in our city’s newest public space, Westside Park. The MetroGnomes Stage Band will kick off the concert with swing and big band favorites, followed by a performance from the AFB Color Guard who will spin, toss, and twirl to heart-thumping music. Combined Concert and Marching Bands complete the show with a diverse program including film music, pop tunes, marches and more. Bring a blanket and a picnic.
