ROOTED IN JUSTICE. GROWING THROUGH ART. Give & Grow With Us.

WHO WE ARE

For 41 years, the ArtsXchange has been a home for creativity, justice, and community action. Founded by late poet and activist Ebon Dooley, we remain rooted in the belief that art is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for thriving, empowered communities.

Today, we invite you to become part of this legacy. Your donation fuels accessible studios, vibrant exhibitions, powerful performances, and public programs that connect generations and cultures. Together, we are the branches growing from the roots our founders planted.

Become a vital partner in nurturing creativity, promoting equity, and fostering resilience across communities that need it most, to build a more inclusive, vibrant cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens neighborhoods, and creates lasting social impact.

Your support helps us:

Elevate Underrepresented Voices: We provide crucial platforms for marginalized artists to share their stories, challenge dominant narratives, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our community.

Advance Social and Environmental Justice: Our community forums, public art projects, and land stewardship initiatives address urgent issues like housing justice, environmental health, and food security, using art as a powerful catalyst for systemic change and healing.

Build a Sustainable Future: Our commitment to land and environmental justice grows from our community gardens and green spaces that combat displacement and food deserts while preserving cultural identity.

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OUR IMPACT

The ArtsXchange has made a measurable and transformative impact on the communities we serve through literature programs, visual arts exhibits and classes, live performances, and community conversations. Our programs have advanced equity, deepened partnerships, and empowered individuals across all ages and backgrounds by prioritizing access, cultural relevance, wellness, and creativity.

Literature Programs: Empowering Voices and Building Community

• Development of Emerging Voices: New and first-time performers have participated and excelled, with some winning slams and publishing their first books. One long-term participant published her debut book of love poems, directly attributing her growth to our workshops. Another found encouragement and confidence in his grasp of English — a newly learned third language — as he performed at Xchange Open Mic.

Visual Arts Exhibits & Classes: Nurturing Talent and Cultural Dialogue

• Skill Building & Economic Sustainability: Our exhibits and classes help participants develop practical artistic and entrepreneurial skills, especially among emerging and underrepresented artists.

Performances: A Platform for Joy, Expression, and Cultural Exchange

• Celebration of Authentic Expression: Through open mics and performance slams, concerts, film screenings, and so much more, our stages have become platforms for self-expression, feedback, and encouragement.

Community Conversations & Outreach: Deepening Equity and Connection

Our community-centered events and outreach initiatives demonstrate the power of dialogue, accessibility, and partnership.

Organizational Impact

• Program Design Evolution: Feedback from artists, participants, and wellness professionals has led to program improvements, deeper wellness integration, and a stronger alignment with community needs.

Through inclusive, intergenerational programming in literature, visual arts, performance, and community conversation, ArtsXchange has significantly enhanced both community well-being and organizational capacity. We’ve built spaces where art is not only seen and heard, but felt, lived, and used as a tool for healing, learning, and transformation.

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WHY GIVE NOW?

We expect 2026 to have an even greater impact than the lockdowns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, our NEA grant was rescinded, and funding from all public sources was cut by 50%. Additionally, grants from previous foundations have shrunk by 75%. With your help, we are committed to continuing our offerings of professional art classes, excellent exhibitions, literary programs, and outreach classes in partnership with our resident artists.

In 2026, we will launch a series of concerts and music creation and production workshops for teens. We will also continue our slate of interactive and thought-provoking creative classes and workshops, taught by various Atlanta artists. To support working artists and provide job training for emerging talent, we will offer Artist Toolbox workshops that cater to artists in all disciplines, with a focus on career development, business skills, and economic opportunities.

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OUR VISION FOR 2026

In the coming year, we envision a world where everyone, from students to elders, has the opportunity to learn and grow through immersive experiences.

Your contributions will allow us to:

Expand our visual arts and literary programs, offering more year-round classes for families and adults, and ensuring broader access to essential educational and storytelling resources.

Launch our Youth Music Program, focusing on the creative phase, production, and live performances. This program, planned in collaboration with industry insiders and established musicians, will include weekend classes and a summer camp experience in 2026.

Complete Phase 2 of transforming our front lawn into a permaculture garden. With the help of Shades of Green Permaculture, we're creating a restorative space abundant in plants that heal and nourish. We are expanding our community garden and orchard, and will soon open the Dr. Doris Derby Outdoor Activity Center. This new gathering space will host Earth Day celebrations, gardening classes, and environmental sustainability events.

Your investment in the ArtsXchange makes you a vital partner in nurturing creativity, promoting equity, and fostering resilience across communities that need it most! Together, we build a more inclusive, vibrant cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens neighborhoods, and creates lasting social impact for generations to come.