Thriving Together Atlanta Unveils BLVDNEXT Art Wrap

Thriving Together Atlanta Unveils BLVDNEXT Art Wrap, Transforming Old Fourth Ward Site into Open-Air Cultural Experience

Thriving Together Atlanta Unveils BLVDNEXT Art Wrap, Transforming Old Fourth Ward Site into Open-Air Cultural Experience

ATLANTA — This past Saturday, March 28, The ATL Now was on the ground in Old Fourth Ward as Thriving Together Atlanta hosted a powerful community activation that transformed the former Atlanta Medical Center site into a vibrant, open-air celebration of art, wellness, and unity.

Held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the future home of BLVDNEXT, the event marked the official unveiling of the site’s construction art wrap—a bold visual installation that reimagines the space as a living canvas reflecting Atlanta’s culture, creativity, and commitment to community healing.

A New Vision for a Historic Space

What was once a symbol of transition is now becoming a destination for connection and expression. Through the unveiling of the BLVDNEXT art wrap, attendees experienced how art can redefine public spaces and bring meaning to ongoing development.

The event also introduced the Thriving Together Atlanta Mobile Art Experience, curated by NEXT in partnership with the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF). Designed to bring art directly into communities, the mobile activation created an immersive environment where storytelling, creativity, and wellness intersected.

Live Art, Music, and Wellness Take Center Stage

The afternoon featured a dynamic lineup of artists, performers, and wellness practitioners who brought the space to life.

Guests enjoyed:

• Live mural painting, offering a real-time look at creativity in motion
• Musical performances by Bria Anai and the Soul Brothers Drummers, filling the space with rhythm and energy
• Visual art from the Moma Murrell Collective, showcasing powerful cultural expression
• A sound bowl healing session led by Dr. Kim Farris, providing a moment of reflection and restoration
• Wellness activations hosted by BLK HLTH, connecting attendees with health-focused resources

Food trucks and community vendors added to the experience, while attendees networked, connected, and engaged in meaningful conversations about art, health, and the future of Atlanta.

Advancing Health Equity Through Art

More than a cultural gathering, the event underscored a larger mission: using art as a tool to address health disparities across Atlanta.

Thriving Together Atlanta is a citywide public art initiative dedicated to improving health outcomes by engaging communities through creative expression. Through murals, mobile art experiences, cultural programming, and community dinners, the initiative fosters dialogue, awareness, and action around health equity.

This effort is made possible through a strong collaboration between the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the National Black Arts Festival, Wellstar Health System, The Integral Group, MARTA Artbound, and NEXT—demonstrating the power of cross-sector partnerships in driving meaningful change.

A Community United

Saturday’s event brought together residents, artists, healthcare advocates, and community leaders, all united by a shared vision of a healthier, more connected Atlanta.

The transformation of the BLVDNEXT site into an open-air gallery served as a powerful reminder that development can go beyond infrastructure—it can inspire, uplift, and bring people together.

Looking Ahead

Thriving Together Atlanta will continue to host free public events across the city, inviting residents to engage with art in new and meaningful ways. As the BLVDNEXT development progresses, it stands as a symbol of what’s possible when creativity, community, and purpose align.

The ATL Now will continue to bring you exclusive coverage of the people, places, and movements shaping Atlanta.

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