The 2025 ELEVATE festival, held from October 10–12, was a dynamic celebration of Atlanta’s vibrant cultural heritage. The festival, titled “Rooted & Rising,” spanned across key neighborhoods including West End, Sweet Auburn, Castleberry Hill, and South Downtown, bringing together art, music, fashion, and community engagement in a unique, public setting. Organized by Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs, ELEVATE aimed to showcase the city’s rich cultural landscape, focusing on its artistic evolution from the 1980s to the 2000s.
At the heart of this year’s festival was the idea of transforming public streets into performance spaces, a concept emphasized by Executive Director Adriane Jefferson. She underscored how this approach allowed for the democratization of art, making it accessible to all people, regardless of background or experience. By using the streets of Atlanta as canvases for creativity, ELEVATE made art a living part of the community, bridging the gap between artists and residents in a way that fostered connection and engagement.
The three-day event featured an exciting mix of artistic expressions and performances. Spoken word poetry, DJ-curated music, fashion shows, a hair show, and both an artist and a health market were all part of the festival’s offerings. These events highlighted the diverse range of artistic talent in the city and celebrated the cultural richness that has defined Atlanta over the decades. The festival also brought attention to the importance of preserving these artistic traditions while continuing to push for neighborhood development and growth.
One of the festival’s key components was its focus on cultural preservation and the conversations it sparked surrounding the changing landscape of Atlanta’s neighborhoods. ELEVATE provided a platform for discussions about the impact of gentrification and the importance of maintaining the city’s cultural identity as it evolves. With 50–60 artists showcasing their work, the festival not only celebrated the artistic legacy of Atlanta but also addressed issues affecting the community in real-time.
The ELEVATE festival brought much-needed attention to the arts and culture scene in Atlanta, creating a space for local artists and residents to engage with each other. It also served as a reminder of how public art can be a powerful tool for community development and cultural preservation. As neighborhoods in Atlanta continue to change, events like ELEVATE play a critical role in ensuring that the city’s cultural roots are both celebrated and preserved for future generations.