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Something beautiful is taking shape along the storied strip of asphalt known as Boulevard in the Old Fourth Ward. We, at NEXT are excited to partner with the Integral Group to bring a rotating public art series to Boulevard NEXT (BLVDNEXT) — a major new development rising in one of Atlanta’s most historically rich and culturally significant neighborhoods. And while developers may be laying the foundation, the creative vision is being shaped by Atlanta’s artists.
From the beginning, NEXT has worked to ensure that Atlanta’s rising artists, particularly those of color, aren’t just included in our city’s transformation — but at the center of our community’s evolution. With BLVD NEXT, we’ve been invited to curate and produce a public art series that transforms the site’s perimeter into a vibrant, rotating gallery in the middle of the city! Every six months, a new artist will be featured. Their work will speak to this place, this community, its history and future.
In June, we kicked things off with powerhouse visual artist Tracy Murrell – Atlanta’s own! Her stunning silhouettes– each illustrating the beauty and grace of Black womanhood–now surround all 2200 feet of the construction site with warmth, grace, and strength. Her work doesn’t just beautify the space — it pays tribute to it.
We’re so proud to be a part of this work — and proud of Integral for the vision and values they’re bringing to this project. They’ve been supporters of NEXT since our very first living room salon, and it means something that they’ve invited us into this conversation in such a meaningful way. This collaboration reflects what’s possible when development makes room for artistry as an essential component, not an afterthought.
Last week, we joined Integral, civic leaders and community members to officially break ground on BLVD NEXT. But the truth is, we’ve been breaking ground for a while now — every time we insist that emerging artists deserve not just exposure, but investment. Every time we bring creativity into civic spaces. Every time we push for stories to be told by those whose voices are often not provided platform.
Artist Tracy Murrell brings color and community to Boulevard, weaving stories of the past into what’s next
This project is one way we bring our mission to life: to center artists and artistry in how our communities grow and how our cities evolve.
We’re proud to be a part of this work. And we’re just getting started.
You can follow along at next-atlanta.com or on Instagram @nextatlanta. Stop by the site to experience the work. Share this story. Join us at an event. Or just reach out — we’re always excited to collaborate with those who are committed to leveraging the power of art to create real tangible change in our communities.
Let’s keep breaking ground.
— The NEXT Team
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