LIFESTYLE LETTER
It’s Fall... with Flair!
Hey SoFu!
As the crisp edge of autumn begins to kiss the summer air, September arrives with all the promise of reinvention—and let’s be honest, a welldeserved moment to “serve a look” as they say in the fashion world!
This month is one of my favorites. Not just because it marks my birthday (yes, Libras do it best, and I will be celebrating accordingly), but because September is fashion’s official new year. It’s the time we all reset, refine, and reimagine. The runways evolve, closets rotate, and creativity takes center stage. And in this issue, we’ve curated a celebration of style that speaks to both men and women who understand that fashion isn’t just what you wear—it’s how you move through the world.
From tailored power statements to effortlessly chic essentials, our September pages bring you into the closets, studios, and stories of tastemakers redefining modern luxury. Whether you’re suiting up for a bold season ahead or layering texture and tone for cooler days, this issue is your personal invitation to step forward—in style.
So whether you’re stepping into a new season, a new wardrobe, or a new chapter like I am, consider this your invitation to do it with flair.
Sidebar: I’m honored to be on the host committee for the illustrious Diner en Blanc ! Like Fancy on our cover, get your all-white outfits ready! More details to come on this!
Sincerely,
MICHELLE TAYLOR WILLIS, PUBLISHER
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kevin Giles | kevin.giles@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gabrielle Latimore, Juju Ramos, Jasmine Tiffany
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anthony Caldwell of @Diamonddistrictmediagroup, Joan Marcus, Torrance Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
How does GreyStone provide such reliable power? Julio.
At GreyStone Power, our power isn’t just … power. It’s our people. It’s Patrice, working with community leaders on economic development. It’s Cameron’s eye for detail as he upgrades power lines to prevent outages. It’s Jeff, doing home energy audits and giving efficiency tips. It’s Rita, organizing STEM Day for hundreds of high school students. And it’s members like you, enjoying some of the lowest rates in the nation. So here’s to our people, and the pursuit of perfect power, right here in the community.
Our power is our people.
Grady’s East Point Health Center brings trusted care to the heart of East Point – where community comes first. Built for busy families, working neighbors, and older adults, it’s a place where expert care meets hometown comfort.
From checkups to chronic care, labs to specialty services, we’ve got everything you need to stay healthy – all in one place and right in your neighborhood.
• Adult Care
• Pediatric Care
• On-site Pharmacy, Lab, and Imaging
Dr. Myla J. White
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES SEPTEMBER
QLS Celebrates 40 Years of Seniors Serving Seniors
Quality Living Services, Inc. (QLS), is a unique, Atlanta-based nonprofit built on the belief that seniors thrive when they support one another, and has empowered adults 50 and over to remain independent, engaged, and productive through its innovative “seniors helping seniors” model since 1985. QLS operates a vibrant senior center and manages multiple senior housing communities. Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the QLS Center.
“Kimberly Akimbo” at the Fox
Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta is thrilled to announce that individual tickets for “ Kimberly Akimbo,” winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical are on sale. The show will play a one-week engagement from Oct. 14- 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as a part of the Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2025/2026 season. Tickets are available at the box office, by visiting foxtheatre.org/kimberlyakimbo or by calling 855-285-8499.
Art as Advocacy Celebrated in ArtsXchange’s First Film Screenings
Award-winning short films, the gathering of all ages, and acclaimed voices from Atlanta’s artscape made for a radiant night at ArtsXchange in June, as the community cultural center hosted its first film screenings. ArtsXchange, South Fulton Arts, and BronzeLens Film Festival united to present Art in Action, a free evening of films and community conversation honoring the role of working artists in shaping Atlanta’s cultural legacy. -Angela Oliver (ArtsXchange Media)
Photography by Joan Marcus
Bishop Jakes Receives Honorary Doctorate at Morris Brown’s Commencement
Morris Brown College celebrated its graduating Class of 2025 and conferred degrees during the school’s Commencement in May. Fifty-eight students graduated during the ceremony, with Bishop T.D. Jakes serving as Commencement speaker. Jakes surprised MBC with a $100,000 gift after delivering his address to the graduating class.
MBC presented Jakes, who has served as Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, with an honorary doctorate degree.
SCAD FASH
A Bold New Era of Culture, Creativity, and Community
ARTICLE BY JASMINE TIFFANY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTESY OF SCAD
When Alex Delotch Davis walks into a room, she brings with her the poise of a fashion insider, the drive of a strategist, and the soul of a storyteller. Now, as the newly appointed executive director of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta and France, Davis is positioned at the intersection of global creativity and local culture, and she’s just getting started.
“Museums like SCAD FASH thrive at the intersection of business and creativity,” Alex Delotch Davis says.
“This is such an exciting time, not just for SCAD FASH, but for the city of Atlanta,” she says. “There’s this incredible momentum happening across the arts, from the return of the city’s contemporary art fair to the expansion of Atlanta Art Week. I’m honored to be a part of that movement.”
An alum of SCAD’s luxury and fashion management program, Davis has spent over 15 years leading brand and arts strategy for some of Atlanta’s most iconic cultural institutions. But her new role isn’t just professional, it’s deeply personal.
“It feels like a full-circle moment for me,” she reflects. “SCAD taught me to dream big and to execute with precision. Now, I want to create the kind of museum experience that sparks inspiration for the next generation.”
At the heart of that inspiration is SCAD FASH’s upcoming exhibition, “André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever,” opening October 15.
“It’s both a love letter and a reflection on legacy,” Davis shares. “André was a SCAD trustee and
visionary. This exhibition honors his life, from his roots in North Carolina to the front rows of Paris Fashion Week. Visitors will see his iconic wardrobe, intimate photographs, and archival footage that shows his wit, brilliance, and excellence.”
Davis sees her role as not just curatorial, but community-centered.
“Museums should be places where people see themselves. We want to amplify diverse voices, invite cultural dialogue, and keep the doors open, literally and metaphorically, for everyone.” Under her leadership, SCAD FASH is not only a university asset but a growing hub for creative connection across Atlanta and beyond.
“Museums like SCAD FASH thrive at the intersection of business and creativity,” she says. “It’s about telling powerful stories, celebrating visionary design, and offering people a place to reflect, connect, and feel seen.” With that vision, and her signature mix of strategy, grace, and cultural depth, Alex Delotch Davis is leading SCAD FASH into a bold new chapter. And the city is ready for it.
Alex Davis with designer and model Imane Ayissi
Alex Davis with Jean Paul Gaultier and Rafael Gomes at SCAD FASH Lacoste, France
Alex Davis with SCAD FASH Creative Director Rafael Gomes
Upcoming exhibit features Andre Leon Talley in October
Michelle turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
SOFU Lifestyle
Published by Michelle Loved by SOFU
Community Wellness Day
100 BLACK MEN OF SOUTH METRO ATLANTA AND CITY OF SOUTH FULTON PARTNER
On September 20, 2025, the City of South Fulton will host the Inaugural Community Wellness Day 5K Walk/Run, organized by the Economic Empowerment Committee of the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta. Old National Merchant’s Association welcomed the partnership of their existing 5K and the mesh has yielded fruitful results. Merlin Knight, chairman of the committee, has worked diligently to bring this event to fruition. It’s more than an event—it’s a mission, a call to action, and a resurrection of community-centered health equity with real, measurable outcomes.
For Event Coordinator LaDray Gilbert, it’s personal.
“My father found out he had stage 4 lung cancer and died within months,” Gilbert shares. “He never had a chance. This initiative is about giving others that chance—early, educated, and empowered,” remarks Gilbert, who joins Audrey Toles-Miller and Stephanie Carnegie as event co-coordinators.
What began as a bold idea has rapidly become a multi-layered, city-shaking movement. With a goal of screening 500 men and women in one day, Gilbert’s leadership has transformed a local walk into a comprehensive community intervention with the potential to save hundreds of lives.
Backed by healthcare giants like Morehouse School of Medicine, Grady Hospital, and Emory Healthcare, the event will offer on-site screenings and health education across a spectrum of critical areas. Kaiser Permanente, Ujamaa Construction, and other partners have also contributed financial support to ensure the event’s success. Screenings will include Heart Health & Diabetes (Biometric Screenings), Prostate Health (PSA Screenings & Education), Breast Health (Mammograms & Education), Lung Health (Cancer Assessments & Education), Colorectal Health (Cancer Assessments & Education), Mental Health & Wellness (Cognitive Assessments & Education), Organ, Tissue & Blood Donation (Registrations & Resources), Clinical Trial & Research Awareness (Education & Sign-Up), HIV & STD Awareness (Screening & Education), and Vision, Dental, and Additional Services (as available).
But Gilbert didn’t stop with clinics and hospitals. His strategy includes some of Georgia’s most powerful influencers. He secured Michael Hightower—respected former Fulton County Commissioner and titan of public-private partnerships—as Honorary Chair. That alone sent a signal to political and civic leaders that this wasn’t just another 5K; this was a movement!
Then came CeeLo Green, the Grammy-winning artist and Atlanta legend, who added cultural flair and generational reach to the campaign. Gilbert knew that to change behavior, you had to shift the culture—so he brought in voices people respect and revere.
Gilbert also engaged both sides of the Georgia Legislature—the House of Representatives and the Senate— through the public support of State Representative Eric Bell and Senator RaShaun Kemp, who now serve as event ambassadors. Two voices, two chambers—united around one shared cause: saving lives in communities that often go unheard and unseen.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about people,” Gilbert insists. “And people are dying because they didn’t know what was happening inside their own bodies.”
With a litany of professionals volunteering their time and expertise, Community Wellness Day has become a model for how public health, politics, and grassroots organizing can work in tandem to drive real, lasting change. From the moment he was named Event Coordinator, Gilbert has operated with the same strategic precision he’s known for in courtrooms and campaigns. He built an elite team covering every logistical angle: Event Logistics led by Twila Hackney; Health Screenings coordinated by Dr. Frank Jones, MD; Outreach & Community Engagement driven by Merlin Knight; and comprehensive oversight of marketing, volunteers, vendor management, entertainment, and faith partnerships.
The event also features signature programmatic zones such as “Brother, Let’s Talk About It” (Men’s Mental Health and Barbershop Talks), “She Matters Initiative” (Women’s Health & Wellness including a Brunch featuring College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom), and “Grilling With My Daddy” (a celebration of fatherhood and family legacy). Every detail, every dollar, every voice—aligned and moving under Gilbert’s unrelenting vision.
LaDray B. Gilbert, JD, is not just producing an event— he’s launching a movement that saves lives, reshapes communities, and redefines leadership. Community Wellness Day is what happens when brilliance, love, and urgency collide.
“We’ve watched too many men and women die simply because they didn’t have access or awareness,” he says. “I’m building the kind of system I wish my dad had. That’s what this is about.”
On September 20, 2025, South Metro Atlanta won’t just witness an event. They’ll witness a standard being set—one designed, led, and executed by a man who moves with purpose and builds with precision.
Community Wellness Day 5K Walk/Run
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Old National Commons
Address: 5495 Old National Hwy, College Park, GA 30349
Goal: Screen 500+ men and women | Inspire thousands more Presented by: The 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta, Economic Empowerment Committee
Specialized Support
Every Step of the Way
Comprehensive Breast Care at Piedmont Fayette
Piedmont Oncology treats more breast cancer patients than any other healthcare system in Georgia. With a highly specialized, multidisciplinary team of breast care experts, we ensure our patients have easy access to personalized, compassionate care every step of the way.
Whether you are seeking to lower your risk of developing breast cancer, detect breast cancer early, or need treatment of either cancerous or non-cancerous breast disease, Piedmont Fayette is committed to providing high-quality, patient centered care, close to home.
Our Comprehensive Breast Care Team
Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostics Services
Multidisciplinary Team of Breast Cancer Experts
• Fellowship-trained Breast Surgeons
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
• Sub-specialized Medical and Radiation Oncologists
Patient-centric Support Services
• Breast Cancer Patient Navigation
• Genetic Counseling and Testing
• Lymphedema Therapy
• Oncology Social Work
• Oncology Nutrition Services
• Rehabilitation
With over 25 years of experience in financial services, we have built strong relationships with lenders both locally and across the U.S. This extensive network allows us to connect our clients with the right financing solutions to help their businesses grow and succeed.
Glenda Walker
LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Legacy of Excellence Awards Recognition Luncheon for the Fulton County Schools Teachers, Professionals and Partnerships of the Year will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center. The Fulton County Board of Education invites you to support the Fulton County Schools (FCS) Legacy of Excellence Awards.
The celebration honors every school’s top teachers and educational professionals and pays tribute to the Teachers of the Year and School/Support Professionals of the year
as well as the business and community partnerships that have made outstanding contributions to student achievement. The program also features performances by student musicians, with more than 1,000 school, business, and community leaders gathering for the luncheon.
For more, including ticket and donation information, please contact (404) 822-4171 or email at Maxey@ fultonschools.org. The Fulton County School District is an organization that the IRS authorizes to receive deductible charitable contributions.
Grady Healthcare TELP Summer Program
HEALTH CAREERS BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: GRADY HOSPITAL’S TELP PROGRAM
At Grady Hospital, the future of healthcare begins long before medical school applications, but with the promising teens still finishing high school. Welcome to Grady’s Teen Experience and Leadership Program, better known as TELP, a hands-on, summer immersive program committed to developing the next generation of doctors, nurses, and non-clinical healthcare professionals in our community.
Now in its fourth year, the program has grown from starting with just 80 students in 2020 to receiving 3,000 applicants alone for this year’s cycle. This 7-week program is fully accessible, with the only requirement being a completed application and a desire to learn. With no financial obligations and no strict GPA requirements, TELP creates exposure to health careers for all students.
Program participants build their own schedule of 4-hour shifts and rotate through different sectors of the hospital. They can gain experience in clinical areas such as Emergency Services and the Laboratory, as well as non-clinical areas, ranging from the Chaplaincy to Finance or Language Services Departments. With over 80 rotations to choose from, students are able to explore the vast world of working in healthcare.
In addition to the technical experience, students also develop their leadership and communication skills, as well as confidence in the healthcare field. For some students, TELP is the first time they have ever set foot inside a hospital, emphasizing how programs like these can truly be life-changing.
Approximately 40% of program participants are family members or children of Grady employees, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of the excellent work that goes on in the hospital. TELP’s reach extends even beyond the Atlanta area, with one mother driving 1.5 hours daily so her son could gain the full benefits this program offers.
Grady plans to help other hospitals replicate this program outside of Atlanta, including Columbus and Gainesville, to open up the possibilities for even more youth, including middle school students. TELP is more than just another internship, but a launchpad for the future of underserved students in the community, providing free exposure to what might cost thousands elsewhere. The mission of TELP is to engage youth in the healthcare field, creating a chance to spark lifelong careers and show these students what else is possible in their future.
ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE
TELP Program
Emergency Department Nurses Win Lantern Award
A special light shines from Grady Hospital’s Emergency Department, powered by steadfast commitment, compassion, and clinical excellence. Grady’s ED nursing team’s brilliance has now been recognized nationally with the prestigious Lantern Award, as they have demonstrated exceptional work and achievement in their leadership, care, research, and innovation.
This award is a historic win for the hospital, marking its first time receiving this award in the over 100 years that Grady has served the Atlanta community. “Not only are we striving for excellence, but we are providing excellent care, leading in practice and education,” says Vice President of Emergency Services Ashley Gresham.
The rigorous application process for the Lantern Award began back in 2024, but the ED nursing team at Grady had already been working tirelessly on improving systems and innovations for the department. Some innovations included designating a traffic control nurse to manage the high volume of patients and reducing patient wait times from 90 minutes to under 45 minutes. “We were already doing great work, we just weren’t always telling the story,” Gresham says.
In addition to the Lantern Award, Grady Hospital leaders make an effort to regularly celebrate the hard work and dedication of their nurses. With the Emergency Department treating volumes up to 400-500 patients a day, burnout is a reality for frontline nurses as they demonstrate extraordinary resilience, endurance, and commitment. While national recognition is tremendous, internal accolades from close peers ensure the light will continue to glow from Grady’s nurses.
In 2020, ED leaders launched an internal awards ceremony for nurses that began after the COVID-19 pandemic. What started with three categories to acknowledge excellence in the Emergency Services Department has now expanded hospital-wide, ranging from IT Nurse of the Year to Case Manager Nurse of the Year, with many of these honorees being Black women from the South Fulton community.
In the first year of the awards, there were just about 30 nominations. This year, that number soared to over 600 nominations. With so many shining stars, the awards ceremony outgrew the Trauma Auditorium and relocated to the Loudermilk Conference Center. Nominations for the ceremony are from peers in the hospital, but quite a few come from former patients, which is a testament to the lasting impact Grady’s nurses have made. “Our nurses embody humility, integrity, dedication, and loyalty to their peers, but most importantly, their patients,” says Gresham.
“Earning the Lantern Award is a testament to the extraordinary dedication, innovation, and teamwork of Grady’s Emergency Department. In one of the busiest and most challenging environments
in the country, our ED team shines brightly, delivering lifesaving care with compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our community,” says Michelle Wallace, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Grady Health System.
As Grady plans to open a freestanding Emergency Services Center in SoFu next fall, a community-centered approach remains a top priority. This new addition to the community will expand access to the excellent and quality service to even more, allowing Grady’s shining nurses to continue to light the path forward.
ENA Lantern Award
Renowned as the fastest-growing City in Georgia and the 4th fastest-growing suburb in the Nation, Union City combines the charm of an intimate community with the cultural, educational, and economic prowess of a large metropolis.
Nestled just minutes from the world's busiest airport, Union City stands proud as the residence of influential brands like Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, ASOS, Amazon, Merecedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, and Atlanta Metro Studios.
Experience the fusion of business and lifestyleReclaim, Renew, and Reimagine your future in Union City.
ST I T CH BY STITCH
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FANCY JONES
ARTICLE BY JUJU RAMOS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY CALDWELL OF @DIAMONDDISTRICTMEDIAGROUP
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when thread meets vision, when hands move like memory, and when fabric stops being fabric and becomes something alive. That magic has a name: Fancy Jones.
Born in Panama and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Fancy is a master tailor celebrating her 20+ years of transforming fabric into legacy. She’s not just a tailor, she’s a sculptor in silk, a historian in denim, a poet in organza.
Her style? Unapologetic. Her hand? Unmatched. Her work? You’ve seen it and didn’t even know it wrapped around Monica, stitched for Missy, tailored for Samuel L. Jackson, styled for Magic Johnson, sewn for Usher and Mary J. Blige. Even Charles Barkley’s swagger has passed through her machine.
The list isn’t just impressive, it’s iconic.
Her resume reads like a walk of fame, but ask her what she’s most proud of? The gritty, era-defining looks she recreated for “BMF Season 2” and the whimsical styles she designed for Jack Black in “Dear Santa.” She doesn’t just make clothes, she creates moments. Fancy doesn’t follow trends. She follows intuition.
“Why would the sky be the limit, when there’s a whole universe out there?” she asks. Her inspiration comes from the world around her and people who strive for innovation because they refuse to be irrelevant!
She credits her bold, dramatic style to her Panamanian roots and her grandmother, a woman who stitched not only clothes but also furniture and curtains. Her home was a living gallery of style. Creativity runs through her lineage like thread through a bobbin. Her uncle designs suits in Miami. Her children—three sons and a daughter—are all expressive and stylish. Her youngest, at 9, is already sewing on a pink machine of her own.
Fancy’s artistry reaches beyond fashion. As a certified surgical sewing technician at MiRus Med, she sews under a microscope with surgical precision, helping create the world’s top-performing heart valve, one that can extend life by up to 10 years.
Yes, the same hands that stitched for Missy now help save lives too—that’s range!
Still, her needle hasn’t stopped dancing.
She dreams of styling more men, drawn to the structure and storytelling of menswear.
“Men love my pieces,” she says. “They’re drawn to the detail and edge.” Her dream client? Chris Brown.
Ask her what’s missing in fashion today, and she doesn’t hesitate: “100% pure fabrics. Too much nylon. Too much wicking. We’ve lost the essence.” But Fancy? She’s still holding it down, refusing to water down the art.
A graduate of the Art Institute of New York, she now runs Strictly Editorial Creative Academy (SECA), where she teaches the next generation the art of sewing.
“Sewing is becoming a lost art form,” she explains. “That’s why I always tell my students: Even when you’re in high demand, stay exclusive.”
She’s a mother, a teacher, a wife, and creator. Whether it’s a garment or a generation, she’s stitching the future one bold thread at a time.
For more about Fancy:
IG: She_sew_fancy
IG: StrictlyEditorial secreativeacademy.com
Credits:
Photos by Anthony Caldwell of @Diamonddistrictmediagroup & Make-Up by @beats_by_tarah
Kick Off the Season with State Farm!
As football season begins, ensure you’re covered both on and off the field! Life insurance from State Farm provides you with peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are protected. Plus, score big savings on your auto insurance when you bundle!
Don’t fumble on coverage—trust State Farm, a reliable name in insurance, to keep you and your family safe. Get a quote today and tackle your insurance needs with confidence!
State Farm: Here to help life go right.
Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction
Markets available nationwide. Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com
A PREMIER LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOL
PRIVATE TAILORED SCHOOLING
OMNI International School offers a year-round, multilingual education with a distinctive STEA²M focus—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, and Mathematics. Students are immersed in Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish by native-speaking instructors, enriched through cultural performances, local festivals, and international travel. Our well-rounded curriculum also includes well-being, health, coding, and hands-on science experiments leading up to an annual Science Fair for all grade levels. Our programs in Lego, VEX Robotics, 3D printing with TinkerCad, and AI technology keep students aligned with 21st century demands. Discover a dynamic learning environment where global citizenship and innovation thrive—call today to learn more!
www.omnischoolatl.com | (404) 865-1463 | 3940 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30331
South Fulton Arts Opens Applications for 2026 Partner Program
South Fulton Arts (SFA) has announced a call for applicants for its 2026 CREATE: A Partner Program, inviting both individual artists and arts organizations to apply. This program offers financial and functional resources to cultivate impactful arts programs within the South Fulton community, fostering lasting collaborations. Applications can be submitted through October 1, 2025. Since its beginning, more than 200 artists and organizations have been accepted into the CREATE program as a working creative partner.
The SFA Partner Program is designed to support the growth and reach of creative projects. Beyond financial assistance, partners will gain access to pro-bono consulting and mentorship tailored to their specific needs. South Fulton Arts also facilitates crucial connections with local schools and community partners, helping projects achieve broader engagement, impact, and new audiences. Selected partners will receive up to $5,000 per project, distributed in two installments: 50% at the project’s commencement, and the remaining 50% upon successful completion and submission of a final report.
This initiative underscores South Fulton Arts’ commitment to nurturing the vibrant arts scene and empowering creators who enrich the cultural landscape of South Fulton for audiences throughout Metro Atlanta.
Interested individuals and organizations can apply through the application links. Artists and organizations must demonstrate how they serve South Fulton County, but do not need to be residents of South Fulton County. In addition, all applicants
must be open to their work being shown at a venue located in a South Fulton County community.
ABOUT SOUTH FULTON ARTS
South Fulton Arts (www.southfultonarts.org) generates and fosters strategic partnerships to increase access to high-quality, free arts programming for South Fulton County and Metro Atlanta residents and communities. Through successful partnerships—such as with artists, teaching artists, schools, and other nonprofits—South Fulton Arts (SFA) collaborates, connects, and provides financial and functional resources as a producing partner to bring artist-inspired projects to life. South Fulton County includes the communities of South Atlanta, Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, City of South Fulton, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Palmetto, and Union City.
In addition to its programming, SFA produces the monthly “Spark” podcast on iHeart Radio and its biannual magazine, Arts United. Last year SFA partnered with 90 artists and organizations to bring 220 engagements to more than 19,000 audience members across 18 venues. SFA is funded in part by Fulton County Arts and Culture, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Georgia Council for the Arts, Publix Super Markets Charities, The Zeist Foundation, The Atlanta Foundation, Waffle House Foundation, The Perry Foundation, and GreyStone Power Foundation.
For more information, visit SouthFultonArts.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
