ELEVATE 2025: A Community Journey Through Art and Wellness in Atlanta

Transforming Atlanta: A Celebration of Art and Community

The sounds of live drums reverberate from the Carrie Steele Bridge, while local vendors showcase their crafts beneath the radiant murals dotting the cityscape; it's all part of the ELEVATE 2025: Rooted & Rising festival. This year, Atlanta is not just celebrating its vibrant arts scene but engaging deeply with community health through creativity and cultural preservation.

Reimagining Cultural Preservation

Rooted & Rising is more than a festival; it is a dynamic call to action that honors Atlanta's rich history while nurturing the next generation of artists. Adriane V. Jefferson, the City of Atlanta’s Director of Cultural Affairs, describes it as "a love letter and a call to action.” This year’s theme is founded on the belief that cultural preservation plays a vital role in public health, reimagining the narrative of artistic expression as a critical component of community well-being.

Exploring Performance and Visual Art Throughout the City

The festival, which began on October 10, spans various neighborhoods, turning them into open-air galleries. From the West End to South Downtown, each area vibrates with the energy of performances, visual art installations, and interactive storytelling. Friday's events particularly stood out, featuring the “Steele Fresh” evening curated by local artist Courtney Brooks, who emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse forms of creative expression, including music, fashion, and spoken word. “I wanted to show all flavors of Atlanta art,” she stated, hoping to pay homage to the local culture while compensating artists appropriately.

Wellness Takes Center Stage

This year’s festival also aims to highlight wellness by including wellness programming alongside artistic displays. Saturday’s event, “Culture Comb Out,” was designed to reclaim Underground Atlanta with an engaging mix of wellness activities, reminiscing '90s style, and interactive games. It invites attendees of all ages to not only enjoy the arts but to participate actively in health-promoting activities.

Local Creators Shaping the Narrative

One notable aspect of ELEVATE is its commitment to uplifting local artists, acknowledging their indispensable role in the community. By paying artists what they’re worth and emphasizing grassroots support, the festival sees the city’s investment reaching those who truly shape its artistic landscape. Elements like the “Welcome to the West Side” event showcase various talents, from makers’ markets to documentary screenings, underlining that every corner of Atlanta holds a unique story worth telling.

Building Community Connections

The festival seeks to foster connections among participants. Through collaborative art projects, live performances, and discussions, ELEVATE allows residents and visitors to meet new people and strengthen their community ties. Stephen Wilkinson and Jordan Neal of SLW & Steady Productions expressed their desire to enhance community bonds, stating that they aspire to ensure attendees walk away with a “stronger sense of community.” When inspired by creativity, they hope individuals will carry this energy beyond the festival into their daily lives.

Future Implications of ELEVATE

Since its inception, ELEVATE has garnered national recognition, not simply for its artistic endeavors but as a significant contributor to community well-being. Looking ahead, Jefferson advocates for a future where Atlanta's cultural heritage is not static but a living, breathing part of the fabric of the city. “Atlanta already has everything it needs to thrive,” she reflects. “We just need to see it, unify it, and build from it.”

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the ELEVATE 2025 festival continues to showcase Atlanta's spirit through art and culture, it beckons residents and visitors alike to engage with their community on a deeper level. By attending and supporting local artists, everyone can contribute to a richer cultural landscape that nourishes both individual and collective identities. This weekend, let’s not just be spectators; let’s connect, contribute, and celebrate Atlanta’s vibrant creative community!