Downtown Atlanta’s new public art initiative Art in the Park transforms Woodruff Park into a yearlong, immersive art experience featuring a rotating roster of both local and international artists. The first installation, “Taino Night Glow,” by Atlanta-based, Puerto Rican muralist Lisette Correa — aka ARRRTADDICT — opens Oct. 3.
A launch party kicks off opening night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring live dance performances and music from Chunky Sounds and DJ Dell Harris. The installation will be available at no cost to the public throughout the month of October.
“Taíno Night Glow” is inspired by Puerto Rico’s El Yunque rain forest and the Taíno, a historic Indigenous people of the Caribbean. The immersive experience invites guests into a colorful, luminous wooden forest where whimsical murals evoke abstract flowers and plants.
“This installation is an homage to the resilience of Caribbean Indigenous culture and the power of storytelling through art,” said ARRRTADDICT in a press release. “I wanted the colors and shapes to evoke the magic and mystery of the natural world while also inviting people to reflect on the history and spirit of the Taíno people.”
The installation was created in collaboration with Dashboard, a creative nonprofit that produces transformative arts experiences in public spaces. It is the first experience in the Art in the Park series presented by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Arts & Entertainment Atlanta (A&E). A&E Atlanta is an initiative that leverages revenue from commercial advertising to fund arts programming in downtown Atlanta.
In November, Art in the Park will welcome its second installation, ”Los Trompos,” by Mexican artists Esrawe + Cadena, presented in collaboration with Creos. “Los Trompos” — which translates to the tops — will feature huge spinning tops, traditional Mexican craftsmanship and woven fabric structures. The exhibit will encourage individuals of all ages to play and interact with the outdoor art.
“These installations are part of a broader effort to ensure downtown Atlanta remains a thriving cultural center,” said Nancy Zintak, Vice President of Communications and Engagement at Central Atlanta Progress, in the press release. “By focusing on local and international artists, we aim to offer dynamic art experiences that reflect the diversity and creativity of our community while making the arts accessible to all.”
Woodruff Park is located at 91 Peachtree St. NW, and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information on Art in the Park and other upcoming events, visit AtlantaDowntown.com.
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