Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is excited to announce the selection  of veteran arts leader Amina Cooper as its first-ever Director of Arts and Culture, marking a significant step in the evolution of its renowned public arts initiative, Atlanta Beltline Art.

As director, Cooper will guide the strategic vision for the Beltline’s arts and culture programming, overseeing its breadth of public art installations, events and special exhibitions as well as its annual juried exhibition season.

The Atlanta native expressed her enthusiasm for returning to her hometown to oversee the program. "It means the world to me,”said Cooper. “For the past 10 years, my work has focused on community and equity. To now be able to uplift best practices in equitable, culture-based programming for the community I was born and raised in, in collaboration with the artist community that’s so familiar and dear to me, is an incredible gift.”

Cooper brings a wealth of experience in public art management, curation and policy and has managed large-scale public art projects for a number of leading municipalities, museums and galleries. Most recently, she served as Program Director of Public Art at the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte, overseeing public art commissions for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Her career also includes roles at prestigious cultural institutions such as the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and Glenstone Museum.

A past member of the Americans for the Arts Public Art Advisory Network, Cooper has been recognized for her leadership in public art policy development across the country. She is a proud alumna of Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and Boston University, where she earned a Master’s in Arts Administration.

Joining Cooper is Chelsea Morey, the newly appointed Arts and Culture Project Manager. Morey comes to the Beltline from the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, where she served as Manager of Exhibitions. Morey will be responsible for coordinating the public art functions of Atlanta Beltline Art, including both permanent and temporary projects as well as design and planning initiatives.

Commitment to Making Art Accessible to All
Since its inception in 2009, Atlanta Beltline Art has become one of the largest temporary public art exhibitions in the United States, currently featuring more than 100 artists and 56 works of visual and performing arts. Originally envisioned as a way to bring people to unexplored sections of the corridor and the city, Atlanta Beltline Art now serves as a vital aspect of the Beltline experience. Over its 15 years, it has showcased a diverse range of artists, from internationally renowned figures to emerging local talents.

“The Beltline is a paragon, referenced and cited by leaders across the world as representing the future of urban planning and design,”Cooper said. “Its ability to merge planning, community development, transportation and civic health with arts and culture is significant. I’m excited for the opportunity to leverage that attention in a way that truly benefits and elevates Atlanta’s artists and cultural stewards.”

Looking Ahead
As the Beltline marches towards its goal of completing its 22-mile trail corridor by 2030, arts and culture will remain an integral part of implementation, supporting its commitment to advancing equity and inclusion and community representation along the trail. The Beltline will also celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. As part of the acknowledgement of these two milestones, Atlanta Beltline Art will curate legacy art installations along the trail.

“Atlanta Beltline Art is a powerful force, weaving connections and breaking down barriers across our diverse communities,” said Nonet Sykes, Atlanta Beltline’s Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer. “I am confident that under Amina’s leadership, we will continue our mission to ensure that the Beltline is a vibrant, artistic hub for all of Atlanta.”

For more information on Atlanta Beltline Art and upcoming events, visit beltline.org/art.