ARTS
Institutional redesign on at Contemporary Art Center
With new leadership in place, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is considering new directions, literally and figuratively.
The Contemporary on Tuesday announced that it has commissioned the New York design firm Familiar to launch an institutional redesign.
This "public-facing strategy," as an announcement termed it, will focus the long-time Westside institution's marketing, communications, technology and development efforts. The brand awareness campaign will include a visual design overhaul, including logo and way-finding signage.
Familiar also is advising on the visual identity and design of Contemporary signature programs and special events, the membership program, print collateral, website, Studio Artist Program and retail shop. A new website is being readied for an August launch.
The reconsidered brand identity and way-finding signage will be unveiled at the Contemporary's fall exhibition openings and the benefit ART PARTY on Aug. 29. The Contemporary announced that it will be closed from July 26 to Aug. 28 for exhibit installation, ART PARTY preparations and way-finding installation.
The designers and developers of Familiar have been collaborating with creative businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists and arts groups for more than a decade. Its recent credits include work for New York's New Museum of Contemporary Art.
A year ago, the Contemporary received a $200,000 capitalization grant from the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund, the nonprofit's largest prize ever to a single arts organization. The grant was part of an Arts Fund initiative intended to help arts groups build a strong balance sheet that provides the resources for them to meet their artistic missions.
Julie Delliquanti, who headed the High Museum of Art's public programs and community engagement, was named the Contemporary's executive director last year, later joined by Daniel Fuller as curator. Fuller had served as director of the Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art.
Flux Night headed to MLK Historic Site
After taking a bye in 2014, Flux Night will return for its fifth edition on Oct. 3 in a new location: the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
The free night of public art and performance will take as its theme “Dream,” in homage to the neighborhood that nurtured King through his boyhood.
“This exhibition is not itself nostalgic, as neither are dreams, but is instead a collective imaginative exploration of equity and justice,” according to the announcement from nonprofit presenters Flux Projects.
“Dream” is being curated by Nato Thompson of Creative Time, known for producing temporary public art in the U.S. and internationally.
Flux Night previously has attracted more than 20,000 to its original Castleberry Hill neighborhood setting. fluxprojects.org.
Credit: hpousner
Credit: hpousner
THEATER
Last chance for 'Storefront Church' at Theatrical Outfit
Early in its run, Theatrical Outfit witnessed enough interest to extend John Patrick Shanley's "Storefront Church" for a week. But the end is now nigh: the show closes Sunday.
In his AJC review, critic Wendell Brock called it "a powerhouse evening of theater.
"While Shanley’s better-known “Doubt” used a sinister episode at a Catholic school to ponder the meaning of faith," Brock continued, "“Storefront Church” whips up a rich stew of religion, politics, finance, corruption, greed and redemption."
Final performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Balzer Theater at Herren's, 84 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta. 678-528-1500, www.theatricaloutfit.org.
Credit: hpousner
Credit: hpousner
New leader for Atlanta’s Tonys
The Suzi Bass Awards, the nonprofit that stages Atlanta's version of the Tony Awards and promotes local theater, has named Denice Brooks its executive director.
Brooks is a singer who has toured internationally with artists including Luther Vandross and Natalie Cole and has appeared on Broadway in shows including “Porgy and Bess” and “Showboat.”
“I believe that theater is the heart, soul and spirit of live entertainment,” said Brooks, who has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience. “I am excited and honored to take the helm of this beloved organization in this theater-rich city.”
She replaces long-time leader Deadra Moore, who stepped down early this year to resume her acting career but will remain a Suzy Awards volunteer.
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