Mayor Andre Dickens and The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Debut the Atlanta Cultural Exchange: Game-Changing Cultural Platform Sets Atlanta as Global Creative Capital for[...]

Mayor Andre Dickens and The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Debut the Atlanta Cultural Exchange: Game-Changing Cultural Platform Sets Atlanta as Global Creative Capital for FIFA World Cup 2026™

ATLANTA-Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) announced the launch of The Atlanta Cultural Exchange ("The Exchange"). What started as a vision has become reality. ATL Culture House is now an immersive experience called Atlanta Cultural Exchange. From June 14 - July 14, The Atlanta Cultural Exchange will transform The CTR into a hub for culture - featuring art, fashion, innovation and immersive experiences that celebrate the depth of Atlanta's creative spirit while building lasting opportunities for our cultural ecosystem.

As part of Atlanta's cultural programming strategy surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026, this experience brings together commerce, creativity and community all in one place, powered by collaborations with artists, creatives, organizations and global partners from Atlanta and beyond. The world is coming to Atlanta. And Atlanta is ready.

Taking place June 14 through July 14, 2026, at The CTR, The Atlanta Cultural Exchange introduces an expanded approach to programming and partnership as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 cultural activation. The platform will feature live performances, film and community experiences, creating collaboration opportunities across Atlanta's creative sectors during this global moment.

The initiative is designed to translate FIFA's global visibility into economic opportunity for Atlanta's creative community, strengthening both commerce and community across Atlanta's creative sectors. By creating new pathways for collaboration, investment and participation during FIFA World Cup 2026, The Exchange supports growth for artists, cultural organizations and businesses.

"The Atlanta Cultural Exchange is an opportunity for Atlanta to showcase the creativity, cultural achievements and vibrant community we have cultivated for generations," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "The Exchange is designed to provide a platform where local artists, performers and storytellers can celebrate Atlanta excellence on a local stage while amplifying their voices on a global scale."

"Atlanta has always been a city that moves culture forward," said Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. "The Atlanta Cultural Exchange allows us to showcase that leadership on a global stage while creating lasting opportunities for our creative community. As the world comes to Atlanta for FIFA World Cup 2026, this platform highlights Atlanta's cultural leadership today and our role in shaping the global creative economy moving forward."

Anchored by the theme "Culture by Design," the activation will highlight the depth and diversity of Atlanta's creative ecosystem, spanning art, fashion, music, film, entertainment and digital innovation. Programming is intentionally curated to reflect both established and emerging voices, with a focus on community-rooted storytelling and opportunities that connect culture to commerce during FIFA World Cup 2026.

Curatorial partners for the inaugural programming include Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, Buckhead Art & Company, Gallery Anderson Smith, ZuCot Gallery, Atlanta Influences Everything, NuFace, Historically Black Since, HBCU Made, Imani Ellis of CultureCon, Devyne Stephens, ABV Gallery, Dr. Fahamu Pecou, Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, 741, Conversate with Killer Mike, On Set ATL, One MusicFest, Story Time with Legendary Jerry, Ray Daniels Presents The Raydar Report,and international partners from Spain, Mexico, South Africa and Haiti, representing the breadth of Atlanta's cultural ecosystem alongside global partnerships.

The Atlanta Cultural Exchange is presented by Showcase Atlanta and powered by The Gathering Spot, reflecting an expanded partnership model designed to strengthen both reach and overall experience. The initiative is produced and ideated by the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with producing partner 10 Squared Agency.

Major sponsors include Amazon, supporting the Community Stage and helping amplify programming accessible to a broad and diverse audience; Google, leading conversations around Creativity and AI; and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through its 'Arts Projects Spotlighting the Spirit of Sports' grant program.

Key partners supporting the initiative include MARTA, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, The CTR and City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film Entertainment and Nightlife, creating a comprehensive network of support for cultural programming and visitor engagement throughout the World Cup period.

About The Atlanta Cultural Exchange The Atlanta Cultural Exchange is a City of Atlanta FIFA World Cup 2026 cultural activation that amplifies the city's art, fashion, music, and entertainment ecosystems during the tournament. Through curated programming, strategic partnerships, and community investment, the initiative drives cultural and economic impact across the city during this global moment. For more information, visit www.atlculturalexchange.com.

Media Contact:

Keisha McCotry, MBA

Publicist, Atlanta Cultural Exchange

Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, City of Atlanta

[email protected]