Atlanta Beltline Art, the public art program that turned Atlanta’s trail system into one of the nation’s largest outdoor galleries, has opened three new calls for participation for Atlanta residents tied to its 2026 exhibition season.
Beginning this month, applications are open for the Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee (BPAAC), the Arts & Culture Review Panel, and the Pre-Qualified Public Art Artist Registry—three distinct pathways into how public art is reviewed, selected, and commissioned along the Beltline. Since 2010, Atlanta Beltline Art has presented hundreds of temporary artworks and live performances each year.
“The support for these programs comes from local funders like the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and from local residents,” said Amina Cooper, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s Director of Arts & Culture. “It’s important for us that this investment directly benefits local artists and residents.”
The open calls comes as Atlanta Beltline prepares for completion of a significant portion of its planned 22-mile loop and an expected increase in visitors during FIFA World Cup™ activity next summer.
“Atlanta Beltline Art impacts close to 45 neighborhoods along the Beltline … ,” said Cooper. “We want to increase the level of visibility and insight into the proposal review process especially for the people who live in these neighborhoods.”
“Public art is central to the Beltline experience …”
Amina Cooper, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s Director of Arts & Culture
Arts funding returns to the trails
Along with the open calls, Atlanta Beltline Art also announced renewed public funding. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded $25,000; Fulton County Arts & Culture awarded $32,000; and the Georgia Council for the Arts awarded $5,000.
“These gifts are especially noteworthy as arts funding continues to decline nationally,” said Cooper. “Public art is central to the Beltline experience, and these gifts help ensure our program’s continuation and expansion. We are only able to deepen our artist pool and broaden our annual exhibition with the support of institutions like these.”
Three paths to participation
“The community review panels are open to neighborhood residents and foster dialogue and engagement with the work of our cultural sector,” said Cooper. “Our Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee is composed of artists and civic leaders, who participate in these panels discussions and also work with the Beltline to inform the direction our programming takes.”
Artists interested in future projects can apply to the Pre-Qualified Public Art Artist Registry, a vetted pool considered for commissions along the Beltline. Artists working across sculpture, murals, dance, music, theater, photography, fashion, film, and more are encouraged to apply.
Full application details and submission guidelines are available at beltline.org/art. Direct questions to art@atlbeltline.org.
Read More:
• Atlanta Beltline officials discuss preparing the pedestrian trail for the World Cup
• Check out the finalized 2026 World Cup match schedule for Atlanta
Key dates at a glance
- Beltline Public Art Advisory Committee (BPAAC) | Deadline: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. EST
- Pre-Qualified Public Art Artist Registry | Deadline: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. EST
- Arts & Culture Review Panel | Deadline: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. EST