“My time with [South Fulton Arts] was simultaneously an unplug from the world, and a recharge for the world. It gave me an opportunity to distill my thoughts and focus on a project I’d been struggling with for some time. I also got to meet a few other interesting artists, which in and of itself, is inspiring.”
— Jason Reynolds, Author
“I’ve had the honor of working with [South Fulton Arts] on their initiative to bring arts programming to the community of South Fulton. In my songwriting class, children and adults would attend without prior knowledge about songwriting; and by the time they left the class, they had crafted a powerful song together. They learned how the arts could fuel creative writing and I watched as they left the class inspired. Not only were the songwriting classes educating through the arts, but I believe it was making an impact of people’s lives. The [SFA] programs in South Fulton offer impactful support for community growth and I’ve witnessed it firsthand.”
—Brenda Nicole Moorer, Performing Artist & Art Educator
“[South Fulton Arts] gave my composer Nick Das and I ample time and space to fully concentrate on the score for our film, Where The Butterflies Go, and create a multitude of songs and sounds that I don't think we would have ever come up with in our traditional faster-paced, city-based environments. We were also lucky enough to eventually screen a rough cut of our film with the local South Fulton community to receive feedback, which greatly informed our future edits. I believe all art needs time and space to grow and when that time in space can occur in close proximity to nature and community, the results will only be stronger and more interesting.”
— Fraser Jones, Filmmaker
“It’s so amazing to watch young people wake up and come to life to tell their stories and recite these poems. And so through the institute, I’ve been able to impact other lives of young people… and to impact these communities in ways that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
—Jon Goode, Spoken Word Artist
“While playing at Grady Hospital in the burn unit, a father ran up to me very quickly . He said “please ma’am, if you could just play just one song for my son — he’s been here at Grady Hospital for months and this is his last day then he’s going to another hospital system” I remember that being being one of the most powerful experiences that I have had as a performer. I think that’s what’s so special about the work that the Institute does— bringing music into community in a way that is so healing and authentic.”
— Angelica Hairston, Harpist
“Working with [South Fulton Arts] has been a unique and precious opportunity. In a world more and more dominated by profit as our baseline motive, SFI’s artist focused approach us a breath of fresh air. They want artists to have the space, funding and opportunity to create; period. As a filmmaker I felt supported every step of the way, and as a Georgia native I am proud of the community SFI is working to build. I cannot wait to see how this program grows in the years to come.”
— Rachel Kessler, Filmmaker
[South Fulton Arts]’s support and guidance in offering Atlanta Ballet’s Centre Dance program to Parklane Elementary School students ensures that together, we can offer meaningful and accessible arts programming to underrepresented students and underserved communities. Atlanta Ballet is grateful for your support and shared commitment to changing lives through dance.
—- Juliana Han Witt, Atlanta Ballet Centre of Dance Education
“Working with [SFA] was great. The partnership allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and create a new style of work, without the partnership I'm not sure if the work would've even been created. [SFA] was available with support if needed and they also trusted the artist and just let us work. Funding is very important to create a process as it allows artists to create with less stress, and funding provides a much more peaceful environment to create the best work. I really loved that a few people from [SFA] attended the exhibit opening”.
—- Eugene Byrd, Visual Artist
Palmetto Elementary is blessed to have such a supportive community like [South Fulton Arts]. Madeline was a great communicator and gave us a budget we could work with to receive some items we greatly needed for the upcoming school year. Our donations have already been put to work making new projects, reclaiming clay, and hanging artwork around our school. Our students oftentimes are not exposed to the arts so they greatly appreciate your donations as it allows them to be more creative and successful.
—Rachel Hansel, Art Teacher (Palmetto Elementary)
I've actually been stunned at the level of support and encouragement that has been given to me by all the staff at SFI. It is a one-of-a-kind organization that can really have an impact in an area that has no place for art. Few galleries, few places to gather, and lack of programming are what small arts organizations are up against. Our organization is proud to be a partner with this amazing organization with terrific leadership.
—Judy Walker, Chatt Hills Art Gallery
[South Fulton Arts (SFA)] and Its staff are a dream to work with. We've been conceptualizing this program for a couple of years but finally, with [SFA]'s support, we have been able to turn it into a reality. I am certain there isn't a better place to have launched our program and we couldn't have found better supporters for this project than [SFA].
— Alex Acosta, Soul Food Cypher
The financial support from [SFA] allowed us to expand our reach beyond local quilters. The staff was supportive and easy to work with. Because of our partnership with [SFA] our reach will greatly increase with the release of the documentary and the traveling John Lewis exhibit.
— O.V. Brantley, Atlanta Quilt Festival
With support from the [South Fulton Arts], Challenge the Stats was able to execute our first family concert. We are grateful for the support of [SFA] for working alongside us every step of the way as we reached our goal of empowering BIPOC artists and celebrating African American history, and culture, at the CTS Superheroes of Today Concert presented at East Point City Hall.
— Challenge The Stats
“I've had the pleasure of working with [SFA] in various ways for close to 5 years! They've always been a tremendous resource for me, and this project was no exception. They trust the artist to deliver and that trust is so important. They establish expectations for delivery dates and then step back and let the work happen. It's invaluable”
— Ethan Payne , Filmmaker & Photographer
“I can't say enough about the wonderful people at the [South Fulton Arts] and what they are doing for our public schools. The partnership has been a huge blessing for both me and all of my amazing students! The instruments donated to my classroom have taken my instruction to another level as well as greatly enriched the learning and enthusiasm of my students. We appreciate all of the wonderful contributions and can't wait to continue to partner with your company!”
— Carrie Roberts, Palmetto Elementary
“My experience with [SFA] has been deeply purpose driven and fulfilling. I've been able to bring two creative ideas to life and raise awareness and additional support for an often marginalized community. I'm grateful for our partnership and I'm honored to be associated with such a community-centric organization”.
—Jonathan Banks, Photographer
Working with [SFA] was rewarding and beneficial for our staff, stakeholders, and community. We were able to bring our project from paper to practice as we provided opportunities for engagement in community-related agriculture, art appreciation, and environmental awareness. -
— Jennifer Baker, Wilferd Farm Incorporated ( Chatt Hills Charter)
“Financial support from [SFA] was an important facet of removing the barriers that too often prevent everyone from reaping those benefits. Funds from SFI ensured that students in under-resourced communities had access to the life-changing opportunities that are intrinsically part of high-quality music education”.
— Atlanta Music Project
“ [SFA] allowed Feeding GA Families to get much needed community impact projects up and running. They helped us take our ideas from planning to implementation, and then to running the projects on a weekly basis. Without the assistance of [SFA], it would have taken us another year to fully get the support we needed to assist our communities and provide these additional resources”.
— Feeding GA Families
“[South Fulton Arts]’s support for LBC’s Nonprofit Material MATCH program has helped increase awareness among South Atlanta’s nonprofit community about the construction materials we provide at no cost, and has directly helped expand the program’s impact, with over $100K in free materials donated in 2022. We are sincerely grateful to [SFA] for their advocacy and outreach efforts to help spread the word, and look forward to expanding our partnership.
— Lifecycle Building Center
“By having support from [SFA] we were able to engage youth and young adults from our surrounding community , providing them with life changing experiences and lessons which can impact their lives as they continue to grow and explore better environmental practices. These practices continue to provide conservation techniques which add to greater self-sufficiency as a whole”
— Renee Alston, Greening Youth Foundation
“Trees Atlanta is grateful to have the support of the South Fulton Institute, which helped us significantly increase our project's impact for the City of South Fulton. The 56 trees we planted off Old National Highway have already made a positive impact on the local landscape and the trees' impact on air quality, stormwater mitigation and the attractiveness of the Tri-County Plaza will only grow over time. [SFA]'s investment impact will be felt by those passing the site or shopping there for decades to come.
— Mike Vincinquerra, Trees Atlanta
“The support of [SFA] in making this documentary allowed me an opportunity to work with filmmakers in my community and the space to document a Black woman artist with resources and intention”.
— Ebony Blanding, Filmmaker
“My experience with [SFA]has become confirmation that resources are found in your own community. I have felt supported throughout the process, as both Elissa Marele and Madeline Livingston have been a tremendous help along the way. I've experienced high enthusiasm whenever the project is mentioned”.
— Joseph Stewart, Art Educator & Content Creator
“It’s been a wonderful and gracious experience working with [South Fulton Arts]. They are genuinely interested in helping me access materials, products to use (consumables) and supplies that can be reused (non-consumables), that will directly benefit my Bear Creek art students daily. We’ve received glazes for our newly reestablished ceramics program and easels for classroom games or art presentations. What a gift this partnership is! Thank you so much, [South Fulton Arts], for everything you do for our community”.
— Dr Lauren Moret, Bear Creek Middle