2023: Revitalizing Atlantic City Through Public Art
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation has served as a catalyst for change, dedicated to broadening Atlantic City’s visual and cultural identity through public arts initiatives since 2015.
Christian Correa & Nuala work on a mural at Cardinal
Working with our grant writer, Alice Woods, we received $362,000 in grant funding in 2023, including a $100,000 grant from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Combined with corporate sponsorships and individual donations, the organization raised $476,000 this year.
$222,000 went directly to artists, 70% of whom were Atlantic County-based.
“In Memory Of…” Kenneth Lazan, Jr., John Morris, Chanelle René.
The long-awaited Jacob Lawrence tribute mural, put on hold during the pandemic, was completed in the fall of 2023, located at Atlantic Cape Community College in the 3rd Ward, near Lawrence’s birthplace.
We invited residents and visitors to 19 community-focused events, designed to foster connections and nurture our vibrant and thriving arts community. 2023 included ACAF’s annual Chalk About AC with the return of the Color Run, in partnership with Atlantic City Marathon, and our annual 48 Blocks AC city-wide celebration with a return of Jitney Mural Tours—a restoration of two pre-pandemic experiences.
“Community in Bloom”. De’von Downes, Chanelle René.
19 murals were added to Atlantic City, including a series by globally-renowned muralists dubbing themselves “Foxx and Friends”.
Since 2017, ACAF has produced 103 murals throughout the 48 blocks of Atlantic City.
“The Orange Loop”. Helen Clymer.
Our 10th ARTeriors, ARTeriors at The James, welcomed 1,130 visitors during its month-long run. The kick-off party, co-hosted by Cardinal, was ACAF’s largest event to-date.
ARTeriors Baltic Avenue was also hosted in 2023, bringing 725 visitors through its doors in January.
Model Katie Weightman, painted by Heather Deegan-Hires, shares a laugh with local artist Lennox Warner during the ARTeriors kick-off party.
In partnership with the CRDA, 36 Adirondack chairs and 11 planter boxes were painted and installed for 48 Blocks AC. Investment from neighborhood CDCs ensured inventory was placed throughout the city’s neighborhoods in addition to on the Boardwalk.
Executive Director Kate O’Malley and Community Engagement Coordinator Jill Fermonte
We extend a special thank you to our top funders in 2023: ThriveAC Fund, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Waterwheel Foundation, Casiello Philanthropic Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, and Tapestry and to our top in-kind sponsor, Cardinal.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our growth and success in 2023 through sponsorships, donations, partnerships, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours. None of this would be possible without your support. 2023 has been an extraordinary year and we cannot wait to keep building bigger and better in 2024!