Atlanta BeltLine and TILA Studios Partner to Launch BeltLine Business Ventures: Artists Edition

Atlanta BeltLine Inc. Partners with TILA Studios to Launch BeltLine Business Ventures: Artist Editiona 9-week pilot program that aims to equip creative professionals with the skills to successfully deliver sculptural public art projects around the world and grow as entrepreneurs and artists.

This new accelerator program is an expansion of the BeltLine Business Solutions Office’s existing BeltLine Business Ventures, a small business accelerator that supports local businesses with the technical assistance and resources they need to physically locate their businesses along the BeltLine.

“Expanding BeltLine Business Ventures to include the local arts community felt like a natural progression for the program,” said Natalie Jones, project manager for BeltLine’s Office of Business Solutions. “Arts and culture are an integral part of our organization’s identity and mission, and this partnership with TILA Studios allowed us to tailor a program that specifically meets the needs and aspirations of artists. We couldn’t be more proud of the inaugural class of artists and look forward to seeing how this program supports their growth.”

“TILA Studios has been an incredible partner,” said Lynnette Reid, vice president of planning, engagement, and arts and culture for the Atlanta BeltLine. “Their deep roots in the arts community, combined with their creativity and high level of programmatic expertise, have made this an invaluable initiative that will undoubtedly enhance the future of our Art on the Atlanta Beltline program and the BeltLine public arts landscape, creating an even more vibrant, inclusive and diverse arts ecosystem.”

During the program, artists will participate in a hybrid curriculum consisting of in-person and virtual sessions led by experienced public artists and other facilitators, including:

• Alex Francombe, Fulton County Public Art Program Manager
• Ellex Swavoni, Artist, Sculptor
• Autumn Breon, artist
• Sammetria Goodson, Managing Attorney, Goodson Law Firm
• Tony Loadholt, Owner & Operator, 11th Hour Scene Shop & Studio
• Oshun Layne, Managing Director, Dashboard

Each week, sessions will focus on improving the tools that enable artists to make a living from their art, including creating a career roadmap, engaging with the community, writing proposals, and negotiating contracts. The result will be more entrepreneurial-minded artists who can create profitable art practices and work in the fabrication and realization of large-scale public art.

“The BeltLine Business Ventures: Artists Edition pilot program allows artists to expand and reimagine their art in a larger format to be considered for public works,” said Tiffany LaTrice, Executive Director of TILA Studios. “There is no citywide program that allows mid-career artists to gain these skills to diversify their practice and take on larger budget/multi-year projects. As the city transforms to accommodate more global companies, artists need to be able to access opportunities they are prepared for. I am grateful that the Atlanta BeltLine not only views artists as entrepreneurs, but invests in their growth to accelerate their careers in Atlanta and beyond.”

The inaugural class of BeltLine Business Ventures: Artists Edition cohorts includes Marryam Moma (collagist), Jordan DeLoach (painter/muralist), Charity Hamidullah (painter/muralist), Camisha Butler (textile artist), Tracy Murrell (painter/muralist), Debra “Debbi Snax” Randolph (painter/muralist), TeMika Grooms, artist Hill Williamson, Joseph Abu (painter/muralist), Emmy Marshall (painter/muralist), Ian Gallo (fabricator), Erica Angelica (photographer), Alana Wicker (sculptor), Margo Perkins (painter/muralist), Christine Cannon and Jon Lumpkin (interdisciplinary team), Ptar Flamming (sculptor).

For more information about BeltLine Business Ventures, visit beltline.org/businessventures/. For more information about the Atlanta BeltLine’s annual public art and culture exhibition, Art on the Atlanta Beltlinevisit https://art.beltline.org/.

Related