The Atlanta arts scene is rallying behind City of Ink, the longtime Castleberry Hill creative hub, as it faces a zoning challenge that could force its closure. Owner and artist Miya Bailey says a 2008 city ordinance, No. 08-O-0201, intended to restrict the future proliferation of tattoo parlors in the Castleberry Hill Landmark District is now being used against his business, despite its having opened in 2007.
Bailey contends the law was never meant to penalize existing businesses and that City of Ink should be protected under a grandfather clause. In response, he’s issued a public call to fans, fellow artists, and collaborators to show up for a public hearing and help protect one of Atlanta’s most influential Black-owned creative spaces.
Here are six things to know about what’s happening, who’s involved, and how you can help:
1. City of Ink opened in 2007—and helped shape a community.
Founded by artist and entrepreneur Miya Bailey, City of Ink is more than a tattoo studio. It’s served as a gallery space, mentorship hub, and anchor for Castleberry Hill’s creative district. Since its opening, it has incubated emerging artists and helped shape nearby cultural spaces, including Peters Street Station and Hidden Gallery 333.
2. A 2008 zoning ordinance is at the center of the case.
The City of Atlanta issued a stop-work order in April 2025, citing Ordinance 08-O-0201, which amended Castleberry Hill’s zoning to prohibit tattoo studios. Bailey argues City of Ink is a legal non-conforming use, since it was licensed and operating prior to the ordinance.“The ordinance was put in place back then to protect City of Ink—not to be used against us almost 20 years later,” Bailey wrote in a July Instagram post.
3. A public hearing is scheduled for July 17.
The zoning appeal will be heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustment at 12 p.m., Thursday, July 17, in Council Chambers at Atlanta City Hall (55 Trinity Avenue SW). Bailey has asked the public to attend, writing, “I really need the support of the Atlanta art community. We need your prayers, love, and support.”
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4. City leaders and neighbors are backing the shop.
Former City Councilmember Kwanza Hall, who co-sponsored the 2008 ordinance, submitted a letter clarifying that the measure was intended to prevent new tattoo businesses versus retroactively target existing ones. Councilmember Jason Dozier, who represents the district, also voiced support for grandfathering City of Ink. The Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association, NPU-M, artist Dr. Fahamu Pecou, and local business owner Karl Booker submitted letters of support as well, describing the studio as a cultural cornerstone and economic driver in the neighborhood.
5. Mayor Andre Dickens has acknowledged the issue.
After Bailey posted about the closure on Instagram five days ago, Mayor Andre Dickens responded directly in the comment thread: “Got it. Understood. I see it. Tagged. Received. Looking into it. Standby.” Dickens’s comment has since received more than 75 replies, with many thanking the mayor for taking note.
6. Fundraising and private bookings are underway.
While the Walker Street location remains closed, Bailey and his team have turned to selling art, merchandise, and booking private tattoo sessions to raise money for equipment, legal fees, and remodeling. Supporters can follow @miyabailey updates and donation opportunities.
