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Great ideas are often born through challenging times, says Chantal Maurice, actor and founder of CoStar Coaching. When the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists unions went on strike earlier this year, Maurice thought of an outlet for local strikers to keep their creativity in motion. “Artists struggle when they aren't able to exercise their gifts and talents,” she said. “The strike impacted artists mentally and financially, but The Spotlight Series allowed me to create something of purpose; a reason for artists to continue to create within the strike rules.” The Spotlight Series, an evening of seven original 10-minute plays by Atlanta-based writers, directors and producers, will debut at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Paul Robeson Theater at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point. The ArtsXchange is sponsoring the event as part of its Paul Robeson Theater Incubator program, which provides free performance space for independent and emerging playwrights who embody his legacy. A nine-year career in TV and film has connected Maurice to many. Thus, she was able to “network across,” a term Issa Rae coined, she said, to find writers, directors and producers. “Any opportunity that I get, I will always look to the left and right of me and push my peers forward,” Maurice said. The plays tackle various sociopolitical matters, especially those plaguing Atlanta. “Sibling’s Keeper,” written by Kim Akia, exposes various forms of sex trafficking and the plight of the rescuing process, with Atlanta following Washington, D.C. in the highest rates of human trafficking. “Mask Off," written by Kayla Bennett, explores the role news media play in creating negative narratives about marginalized communities. And Onaji Rouse’s "Getting Repped” highlights racial discrimination in the workplace. While The Spotlight Series began solely for creators, Maurice said it has evolved her goals, such as her plan to partner with corporate diversity and inclusion departments to create more inclusive workspaces, using theater to highlight equity issues. “Art is one of the most powerful tools in activism because it forces people to feel,” she said. “Theater has the power to evoke emotions and broaden perspectives. It can empower people to take action.” Tickets are $30 and are available online or at the door. Press Release https://www.artsxchange.org/press/the-spotlight-series-an-evening-of-original-10-minute-plays

Hi, friends, It is autumn and the Artsxchange is alive with energy. Days like these highlight the importance of holding a committed space to build community. It is the foundation of our mission. This is a place where diverse groups can come together to celebrate, explore cultural connections, and gain knowledge. It is reflected in the excited exchange between a son and mother viewing The Haunts of Black Kirby, our latest exhibit. It's in the Garden Like a Boss students gathered outside learning about composting. It's in the beat of the drums coming from a traditional African spirituality festival in the Paul Robeson Theater. It's in the Dooley Room, where Market 166 is meeting to build a community-owned cooperative grocery store. And it's in our friends from Alternate ROOTS strategizing for institutional change in the library, all on one Saturday afternoon. There is happiness, wisdom and community in these walls. I feel privileged to play a small role in nurturing it for the artists who make the ArtsXchange their creative home, our members and supporters, and all those who come through our doors seeking inspiration and peace. As we move into our anniversary month of October, we must stop and acknowledge all of those who actively engage in uplifting this institution. For 39 years, the Artsxchange has played an important role in Atlanta’s art scene. Most of this has been under the dynamic leadership of our Executive Director, Alice Lovelace. This is a time of transformation as we continue to envision all the good work still to be done. On October 14, 2023, we invite you to dream with us by supporting our annual fundraiser, UnMask the Future. Come dressed in a costume, cosplay, or mask! Together we will experience a night of good friends, food, entertainment, and a few fun surprises. Dance to the sounds of R&B/funk/reggae band Cafe Au Lait and DJ 5th Wurld, or enjoy an evening under the cosmic sky. This is also an opportunity to meet the studio artists and perhaps find an original holiday gift. Before we put on dancing shoes, though, we also invite you to see the new "face" of the ArtsXchange as we dedicate our new mural by Atlanta artist, Charity Hamidullah! Join us for the mural dedication and reception from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 13, 2023. A prolific muralist with a heart for community, Charity tells a story of the seeds planted at the ArtsXchange and the many fruits it has borne — and will bear for generations — through vibrant colors and imagery that will positively impact our corner of East Point. We ask you to consider becoming a member today. We want to expand our outreach to schools, support efforts to address social issues, and continue to bring intergenerational audiences together. Come with us on a journey, planting seeds for our future! Best, Cheryl Johnson Cultural Curator & Board president ABOUT THE ARTIST Charity Hamidullah's work adorns many walls, from local public art projects including the Dorothy Bolden Tribute mural with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Pianos for Peace; to corporate commissions including Microsoft and Target. Charity's murals are also featured in various cities since their respective mural fests, including Birmingham, Ala., Chattanooga, Tenn., and South Salt Lake, Utah. We're thrilled to have not only her talent, but also her love for community. Charity is a multi-disciplinary artist who has been living and creating in Atlanta since 2011. Her work began as a tattoo artist where she assisted in helping clients honor their identity through body adornment. Her admiration for community soon transformed her canvas with hopes to inspires and uplift more individuals. Hamidullah utilizes color, figurative and environmental elements to illustrate stories of identity, empowerment and growth while uniting spaces with the love language of art. Follow her on Instagram @creatingfreedomnow. The Southeast Community Cultural Center d/b/a the ArtsXchange receives support from the Fulton County Arts & Culture under the guidance of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the Georgia Council for the Arts under the guidance of the State of Georgia Legislators and support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta through the A Place to Perform grant, Threshold Foundation, Fidelity Charitable, the estate of Dr. Doris Derby, Food Well Alliance, Peach State Health Plan, Schwab, and Shifting Energy. Support is also provided by our individual and business donors and members. We encourage you to become a supporter.

What a special day! Thanks to all who came out for the mural dedication! See the new "face" of the ArtsXchange as we dedicate our mural, "Community of Cultivation," by the brilliant Charity Hamidullah! The mural tells the story of the seeds planted, the fruits borne, and the harvests for future generations at the ArtsXchange, with vivid imagery that brightens our quiet corner of East Point. Follow Charity on Instagram @creatingfreedomnow . Community of Cultivation Mural Unveiling : October 13, 2023 Artist: Charity Hamidullah Location: ArtsXchange - 2148 Newnan Street East Point, GA 30344

We're excited to announce this year's honorees the 2023 Ebon Dooley Arts & Social Justice Awards! JACK SINCLAIR VISUAL ARTIST Courtney Brooks @cbrooksart, a muralist and curator who builds community and honors Black women through her initiative, @journeyofablackgirl. ECONOMIC JUSTICE CHAMPION Film Festival of Atlanta @bronzelens , an acclaimed festival that spotlights women creators and works to solidify Atlanta’s place in the film and TV industry. EMERGING LEADER (MUST BE UNDER AGE 35) Jonathan Banks @journeybrave, a photographer and filmmaker whose lens illuminates forgotten or marginalized lives. CHANGE MAKER Sister Omelika Kuumba @omelikakuumba, groundbreaking African dancer and drummer, co-founder of @giwayenmata, and longtime Spelman professor. BRIDGE BUILDER 7 STAGES @7stagesatl, a global-minded theater that shines light on political, social and spiritual plays, and uplifts budding playwrights. SOCIAL JUSTICE CHAMPION SisterSong @sistersong_woc, the fierce and unyielding women of color reproductive justice collective. Join us in celebration at the sixth annual awards ceremony from 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St., East Point. Tickets are $35 or free for members. The evening will include food and live entertainment. The Dooley Awards are given annually to artists, activists or organizers/organizations whose work creatively builds community and advances liberation, in the legacy of ArtsXchange founder Ebon Dooley. Cheers to this phenomenal group! Learn More About Ebon Dooley Awards Learn About Past Ebon Dooley Honorees

To us at the ArtsXchange, Dr. Doris Derby was more than a photographer and activist — she was a part of our family. When we reopened our doors in our new neighborhood in 2019, Doris was one of the first East Point residents to support us. She was excited to have a community cultural center in what she considered her own backyard. She was a regular at our gallery events, along with her husband Bob, and always took the time to speak with the artists. She especially liked talking to the younger artists and expressing her appreciation for their work. Doris supported us creatively, programmatically, financially, and, above all, with her presence. This year and last, with support from Doris and the Georgia Humanities Council, we initiated a six-part program with a focus on literacy and creative writing using her photography books. Her work inspired participants to create reflections and stories connecting her images from the Civil Rights Movement to the challenges we face as a country today. Doris will forever be a part of our family. The last gift she blessed us with was for the planting of fruit trees and a seating area in our community garden. We hope you will come visit to sit and reflect on Doris’s immense love of nature and the countless lessons she taught us about art, service, and our social obligations to each other. The ArtsXchange sends our love and condolences to Doris' family, friends, students, colleagues, and all who held her dear. Please celebrate her life with us as we share the many ways she impacted the ArtsXchange community. Dr. Derby was a fervent supporter of the ArtsXchange, most recently as a part of the "Power of Words: When Poetry Meets Songs & Images" series that explored her civil rights work through the lens of literacy and culture. See the links below to watch her Author Panel discussion from October 2021 and to read our blog about Dr. Derby, how a stop in Albany, Georgia propelled the Bronx native’s journey through the frontlines of racial justice in the South, and the connections folks in this series made from past to present. We were also honored to present Dr. Derby with the 2021 Change Maker Award at the Ebon Dooley Art & Social Justice Awards, Dec. 5, 2021. Watch her acceptance speech in the video below. When I was in elementary school, nothing in the history books had anything to do with telling me about my history,” Dr. Derby said in a 2020 interview with The Guardian's Tim Lewis. “I’d think: ‘Why aren’t black people being represented in these books? And stories, movies.’ We weren’t in them. But we were here.” For years as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she worked to document the lives of Black folks — from children on their walk to school in Mississippi to farm life in rural Louisiana to political conferences across the South. Dr. Derby's books of poetry and photographs tell the stories from every angle, ensuring that Black children, and Black people of all ages, will never feel unseen again. See below to read about her bravery and dedication to community organizing in an article and photo galleries by The Guardian. Farish Street, Jackson, Miss., late 1960s by Dr. Doris Derby Workers in the Mississippi Delta, 1960s by Dr. Doris Derby Through the lens of civil rights photographer Doris Derby - in pictures, by The Guardian, Feb. 1, 2020 Now is a continuation of then’: America’s civil rights era – in pictures, by The Guardian, Oct. 28, 2021 In an August 23, 2021 interview with American Theatre, Dr. Derby reflected on co-creating SNCC's Free Southern Theater. This gave SNCC a way to reach people culturally, to share the messages of Black identity, the importance of demanding our rights, and overcoming racism. Click below for the full article.

National Novel Writing Month, often abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, is an annual creative writing challenge and community event that takes place every November. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to encourage people to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days, from November 1st to November 30th. It's a worldwide event that brings together aspiring writers, both new and experienced, with the shared objective of completing a substantial portion of a novel in a short timeframe. Here's how NaNoWriMo typically works: Sign-Up: Participants register on the NaNoWriMo website, create a profile, and declare their intention to write a novel during the month of November. Writing Goal: The main goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words during November, which is the standard word count for a short novel or a novella. While the primary focus is on word count, the quality of the writing is not as important during the event. The emphasis is on generating a draft. Supportive Community: NaNoWriMo provides a supportive online community through forums, local writing groups (called "write-ins"), and writing buddies. Participants can connect with others, share their progress, and find encouragement and advice. Tracking Progress: Writers track their daily word counts on the NaNoWriMo website and update their profiles to keep themselves and others motivated. There are also tools and resources available on the website to help participants stay on track. Personal Writing Goals: While the official goal is to reach 50,000 words, participants can set their own targets if they prefer to write more or fewer words. The primary aim is to foster a daily writing habit. No Edits Allowed: NaNoWriMo encourages participants to focus on writing their first drafts without worrying about editing or revising along the way. The goal is to complete a draft, and there will be plenty of time for editing in December and beyond. Prizes and Recognition: Participants who reach the 50,000-word goal "win" NaNoWriMo and receive a certificate. They also gain a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of having made significant progress on a novel. There are often sponsorships and prizes provided by various organizations and publishers. NaNoWriMo is not only a writing challenge but also a way to build a writing community and discipline. It encourages individuals to overcome procrastination and self-doubt by setting and achieving writing goals. Many successful novels, such as "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen and "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, began as NaNoWriMo projects. Overall, NaNoWriMo is a fun and motivational event that provides the structure and support needed for writers to make progress on their novels, and it has become a global phenomenon for writers of all ages and backgrounds. Sign up here https://nanowrimo.org/sign-up

Banned Book Week 2023 is a week-long annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of intellectual freedom and the ongoing challenges of censorship in literature. Held the first week of October, Banned Book Week is a celebration of advocacy and education surrounding the freedom to read. This week our Literary Director Theresa Davis shared her favorite banned books on her reading lists from her time as a Middle School teacher. "Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher is a young adult novel that tells the story of T.J. Jones, a mixed-race teenager who assembles an unlikely high school swim team composed of outcasts and misfits. Through their struggles and determination, they challenge stereotypes, racism, and personal demons. T.J. uses his passion for competitive swimming to bring his diverse team together, aiming for success both in the pool and in life. The novel explores themes of identity, racism, friendship, and resilience, offering a thought-provoking and inspiring narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the dark and disturbing aspects of high school conformity and bullying. The story revolves around Jerry Renault, a student who defies the school's manipulative administration and refuses to participate in the annual chocolate fundraiser. His solitary stand against the corrupt system triggers a chain of events that exposes the cruelty and coercion within the student body. The novel explores themes of rebellion, peer pressure, and the consequences of non-conformity, ultimately leaving readers with a chilling portrayal of the psychological and emotional toll of resistance in an oppressive environment. "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo is a powerful novel-in-verse that follows the journey of Xiomara Batista, a young Afro-Latina girl growing up in Harlem. She uses her poetry to express her innermost thoughts and frustrations, particularly in the face of her strict, religious mother's expectations. Xiomara discovers her voice through slam poetry, exploring themes of identity, religion, love, and self-discovery. The book captures her struggle to break free from societal constraints and find her own path as a poet. It's a compelling coming-of-age story that emphasizes the importance of self-expression, and it resonates with readers as it portrays the universal search for one's identity and voice. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a classic allegorical novella that tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their oppressive human owner and establish their own government. Initially, the animals' rebellion represents a quest for equality and justice. However, over time, the pigs, who take the role of leaders, become corrupt and oppressive themselves. The novella serves as a critique of totalitarianism and power abuse, with each animal symbolizing different elements of society. "Animal Farm" explores themes of propaganda, manipulation, and the erosion of ideals. It's a timeless work that highlights the dangers of unchecked authority and the corruption of noble intentions. "Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman is a young adult novel narrated by Shawn McDaniel, a teenage boy with cerebral palsy. Despite being unable to communicate or control his body, Shawn possesses a keen mind and a rich inner life. He grapples with thoughts of life, death, and the burdens his disability places on his family. When he suspects that his father plans to end his life to alleviate Shawn's suffering, he faces a moral dilemma. The novel explores themes of family, love, disability, and the value of life, offering a thought-provoking and empathetic perspective on living with profound physical limitations. Banned Book Week continues to serve as a platform for celebrating the diversity of literature while highlighting the ongoing threats to intellectual freedom. It reminds us that the fight against censorship and the promotion of open access to information remains crucial in our modern society. Check out the Little Free Library at the ArtsXchange for all your banned book needs!

Updated List of Events as of September 27th 2023 The Haunts of Black Kirby is on display at the ArtsXchange Jack Sinclair Gallery from Sept 2, 2023 - Oct 28, 2023. Join us for the opening reception and come back for the many surrounding classes and events! Presented in partnership with the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Black Kirby—the pseudonym assumed by the acclaimed visual artists and professors, John Jennings and Stacey Robinson—are Alchemists. They take raw materials from black history, hip hop, and comic book mythology and remix them to create new universes, never-before seen technologies, and biting satires about the world we live in today. Each of the Black Kirby images serves as a funky, rare artifact from an alternate universe, fully formed, and autonomous from its earthly origins. The works in this exhibition are on loan from the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library. The Haunts of Black Kirby is derived from “The Alchemist’s Notebook: The Satire, Remixes, and Haunts of Black Kirby”, an exhibition organized by the AUC Woodruff Library in 2019. It featured more than fifty digital artworks by Black Kirby and artifacts from the AUC Woodruff Library’s Archives Research Center exploring the topics of Black history, hip-hop, and comic book mythology. Join us for the opening reception and come back for the many surrounding classes and events! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBIT CLASSES AND EVENTS

On September 9th 2023 , we were happy to have Flux Projects Hannah S. Palmer, Author, Ann Hill-Bond & East Point Fire in the building! The panel covered Hannah's mixed-media installation, "Ghost Pools," with journalist Ann Hill Bond, who has been compiling “Troubled Waters,” the oral history component of the project. They discussed what they learned from folks who remember swimming in East Point's pools that were abandoned post integration, including memories from East Point Fire Chief Corey Deon Thornton. "Once loud with laughter, shouts, and splashing, what if these sites could talk? And can East Point reclaim and reactivate these formerly segregated spaces in a way that acknowledges the past, while looking towards the future?" A public history and art project, Hannah Palmer's "Ghost Pools" — a multimedia art installation that explores Atlanta’s history with public swimming by creating temporary memorials to two pools in East Point that became a battleground over integration — aimed to create a shared understanding of what happened to East Point’s Jim Crow-era swimming pools; how they were funded, designed, litigated, defunded, and ultimately abandoned. Join the artists for reflections and guests who will share memories of the pools.

Are you ready to rhyme and shine? Join us at the All Voices Poetry Slam on September 23rd at 8 pm, held at the ArtsXchange. Hosted by the charismatic Mr. Funn and managed by the fabulous Karen G., this event promises an unforgettable evening of spoken word artistry. Secure your spot today for $15 in advance, or take your chance at the door for $20. Don't miss out on a night of poetic magic! Competitors Registration The submission form will open on Friday September 15th at 5PM. There is a $10 Non refundable sign up fee. The first 12 to sign up will be slotted to compete. If registered poets are not present for the random draw at 8pm on September 23rd, their spot will be given to the next poet in line. Registration fees will not be refunded. 12 poets will compete for cash prizes totaling $500.00! 5 Judges chosen randomly will score each poet from 0 - 10 with a decimal point, to prevent ties. RULES FOR POETS 1- Original work only! 2 - No Props or costumes 3 - No musical accompaniment. 4 - Poems must adhere to the 3 minute time limit (10 second grace period. -.5 for each 10 seconds over) 5 - Respectful competition (no hate speech or disrespectful attitudes) PRIZES 1st place $300.00 2nd place $150.00 3rd place $50.00 I can't wait to see you at the All Voices Poetry Slam on September 23, 2023 at 8pm in the Paul Robeson Theater at the ArtsXchange! GET YOUR TICKETS $15 in advance, or take your chance at the door for $20 All literary programming is in partnership with South Fulton Institute.