Location
Atlantic City
Leader
Michael Atkins, executive director
Origin
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation was founded in 2013 to increase access to the arts among city residents, and to improve perceptions of the city by installing public artworks. Its diverse programs activate community pride and civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program, and regular public events.
Mission/vision
It envisions a city where residents, businesses, government and visitors value arts and culture as a means to stimulate economic development, encourage engagement and promote community well-being. Programs activate civic pride and self-esteem through interaction with public art, including 105 murals, as well as the 48 Blocks Festival and ARTeriors.
Key programs
- 105 murals and counting: It has commissioned local and visiting artists to grace the city’s walls with captivating murals, all available for free public viewing to residents and visitors: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/map.
- 48 Blocks Festival: ACAF throws an annual festival in September celebrating creativity across all 48 blocks of Atlantic City. Visual and performing artists shape the festival by bringing their unique talents to form the festival lineup full of arts, crafts, sculpture, live demonstrations, vending artists and music: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/48blocksfestival2025.
- ARTeriors: The group transforms a vacant commercial space into a pop-up art gallery by commissioning artists to install their visual art and sculpture within the group art show. The next ARTeriors is opening in late 2025. Visit the Ministry of ARTeriors at 2601 Pacific Ave. between Nov. 7 and Dec. 12. Learn more online: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/arteriors.
Biggest event/fundraiser
Atlantic City Arts Foundation is currently hosting the Ministry of ARTeriors in Farmers Row at 2601 Pacific Ave. This November and December will be the 11th installation of ARTeriors, its signature pop-up group art show where local artists transform a former vacant space, in this case a storefront church, into an immersive art experience.
Supporters/donors
Key supporters include the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey State Council for the Arts, the Atlantic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and Atlantic Cape Community College.
One more thing
In 2025, Atlantic City Arts Foundation will have directly supported over 80 artists to exhibit their talents in Atlantic City.
How to support
- Go to: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/donate.
- Checks may be made payable to “Atlantic City Arts Foundation” and mailed to:
Atlantic City Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 3, Atlantic City, NJ 08404
