Sayart.net - Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting Local Artists

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) in Atlanta is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend, marking a quarter-century of promoting and supporting contemporary artists throughout the state. Founded in 2000 by artist Annette Cone-Skelton and developer David S. Golden, the museum has evolved from a grassroots initiative that began in Cone-Skelton's pool house office into a nationally recognized cultural institution. Today, MOCA GA stands as a significant force in the Southeast's arts community, boasting an extensive collection, dynamic programming, and a mission centered on artistic stewardship. "Since its founding, MOCA GA has been dedicated to cultivating a thriving community around contemporary art and championing the work of Georgia-based artists," says Cone-Skelton, who continues to serve as the museum's president, CEO, and director. Throughout its 25-year history, the museum has established itself as a vital hub for emerging and mid-career artists, providing valuable opportunities for exhibitions, mentorship, and professional development. The museum's curatorial vision has highlighted artists across various disciplines while helping to establish Atlanta's reputation as a major center for contemporary art. Looking toward the future, MOCA GA is preparing for its next phase of growth with a custom-designed facility scheduled to open next year. The new building will be located adjacent to the Goat Farm Arts Center on Atlanta's Westside and will feature expanded gallery space, a research library, and a public archive. The facility, designed by the renowned architectural firm Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, will also house two upcoming initiatives: Art for Healers, a wellness-focused program designed for medical professionals, and the Young Artist Project, which aims to connect Atlanta youth with creative opportunities. "This move reflects our long-term vision to serve as an accessible, innovative resource for contemporary art," Cone-Skelton explained regarding the relocation. "It allows us to deepen our impact on Atlanta's cultural landscape." Despite its growth and expansion, the museum remains committed to its founding principles of supporting living artists and nurturing the communities that sustain them. The story of MOCA GA can be understood through five key milestones that define what it means to be a contemporary art museum built for Georgia, by Georgia. First, the museum made its public debut on Peachtree Street. After being conceptualized in the early 2000s in Cone-Skelton's Midtown pool house office, MOCA GA's first public location opened in 2002 at 1447 Peachtree Street, situated just down the road from Atlanta's renowned High Museum of Art. Second, the museum's earliest holdings originated from a corporate art collection. Before establishing the museum, Cone-Skelton had curated CGR Advisors' corporate art collection alongside Golden. When CGR downsized in 2000, more than 250 works by 110 Georgia artists were donated to help establish MOCA GA's permanent archive and collection, providing a substantial foundation for the new institution. Third, MOCA GA pioneered innovative models for supporting artists. The museum's Working Artist Project (WAP) provides mid-career Georgia artists with comprehensive support including an 11-month fellowship, a solo exhibition, and a printed catalog. Notable past fellows include prominent artists such as Fahamu Pecou, Kelly Taylor Mitchell, Cosmo Whyte, and Masud Olufani, demonstrating the program's commitment to supporting diverse artistic voices. Fourth, the museum's significant archival work began with artist Benny Andrews. In 2002, Cone-Skelton commissioned "Museumscape," a lithograph by Georgia-born artist Benny Andrews, to commemorate the museum's founding. This collaboration launched MOCA GA's audio-visual archive, which has since grown to become one of the most important oral history resources documenting Georgia artists and their contributions to the contemporary art scene. Finally, MOCA GA has created space that honors Georgia's artistic past, present, and future. The museum has consistently balanced preservation with innovation, presenting retrospectives of historic figures like Herbert Creecy and Larry Walker alongside boundary-pushing exhibitions by rising artists such as Zipporah Camille Thompson and Krista Clark. This approach ensures that the museum serves as both a repository of Georgia's artistic heritage and a platform for emerging voices. As MOCA GA enters its next quarter-century, the institution continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a vibrant contemporary art community in Georgia while expanding its reach and impact through innovative programming and enhanced facilities.