Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has appointed Adriane V. Jefferson as the new executive director of the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA).
Jefferson is an award-winning cultural equity leader who has spent the past two decades “transforming cultural landscapes, shaping policy and redefining arts administration,” said a City of Atlanta release.
An advocate for diverse artistic voices, she previously served as director of Cultural Affairs for New Haven and executive director of New Haven Festivals Inc., along with launching several initiatives like the Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge, The Unapologetically Radical Conference and Connecticut’s first cultural equity plan.
Additionally, she also established the New Haven Black Wall Street Festival and led the Core Race Equity Task Force (a committee that advises city leadership on race equity and system improvements).
Among her list of accolades include the 40 Under 40 Award from the Urban Professionals Network and Connecticut Magazine, as well as the American Express Emerging Leadership Award.
“Atlanta’s arts and culture are deeply woven into the fabric of our community, reflecting creativity, diversity, progress and authenticity,” said Dickens. “Adriane Jefferson is the transformative leader we need to amplify our cultural presence and further our commitment to fostering a city where art and equity thrive together.”
According to the press release, in her new role, Jefferson will lead efforts to promote and preserve cultural initiatives that enhance Atlanta’s overall quality of life.
Some of the goals of OCA under her leadership include expanding grants and support for artists and arts organizations, advancing public art initiatives citywide, delivering cultural experiences through events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival and more.
“Atlanta is a city with a powerful cultural identity, fueled by its history, resilience and creativity. I am deeply honored to join this vibrant community and to collaborate with its incredible artists, organizations, creative entrepreneurs and residents to build on this legacy while innovating for the future in bold and transformative ways,” said Jefferson.
The OCA executive director position was previously held by Camille Russell Love, who served in the role since 1998. She exits her longtime position to become the new senior advisor to the mayor.
Jefferson’s first official day as the Office of Cultural Affairs’ executive director will be Feb. 28.
