General Info

The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is a non-collecting institution dedicated to the creation, presentation, and advancement of contemporary art by emerging and established artists. ACAC creates a diverse cultural landscape for artists, arts professionals, and the art-interested public through its exhibitions, educational programming, and studio artist program. Founded in 1973 as a grassroots artist's cooperative, ACAC plays a vital role in Atlanta's cultural landscape. We exhibit the work of consequential artists from local, regional, national, and international art scenes, creating in various media, and exploring a broad range of content. We pay particular attention to artists who have not had significant exhibitions in the Southeast. Our public programs include talks, lectures, panel discussions, workshops, screenings, tours, and events which foster appreciation and understanding in diverse audiences. In addition to our programming, ACAC supports working artists by providing subsidized studio space at reasonable rates, fostering a collaborative environment supportive of the creative process. History For 37 years, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center has maintained a passionate and professional commitment to contemporary art. Our exhibitions and programs have received recognition from artists, peer organizations, private and public foundations, government agencies, and the critical community. Founded in 1973 by a group of Atlanta photographers, Nexus was a storefront cooperative gallery supported by member dues and staffed by volunteers. In 1976, the organization leased an old elementary school and began to increase its activities and formalize its infrastructure. Nexus Press, dedicated to creating unique publications by invited artists, was begun, and studio spaces for working artists became a core part of the organization. Nexus marked its 10th anniversary with a commitment to develop a higher public profile, expand its Board of Directors, and increase its financial security through fundraising efforts. In 1984, the name of the organization was officially changed to Nexus Contemporary Art Center. The Atlanta Biennial and Art Party became signature events during this period. In 1987, seeking a permanent home, the Board completed a $1.95 million capital campaign to renovate a 35, 000 square foot warehouse complex on Means Street, near the Georgia Tech campus.