Let’s talk: Atlanta-bred artist returns to discuss the city’s creative future

From the definition of public art vs. graffiti to ways the city can better support local creatives, it seems there’s always a buzz surrounding Atlanta’s art scene. Brooklyn-based artist Annika Connor (an Atlanta dweller until age 18) aims to spark her own arts-centric dialogue when she brings her event, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-conversations-active-ideas-art-talk-tickets-20906887062Creative Conversation: Active Ideas Art Talk, to General Assembly Wed., Feb. 17. Topics to be discussed include: how artists and entrepreneurs can link together to engage the imagination both inside and out of the traditional art world, how the DIY movement sweeping across the art world can be more effective, and potential reasons why many artists have moved back to the traditional book format in an age of primarily digital consumption.

That last topic is especially relevant to Connor, who last year released her own tome, The Point Suite Contemporary Art Book, along with artist Nicholas Papadakis. The book’s aim is to highlight and share works from a smattering of artists whom Connor says are “really brilliant” but “underrepresented.” All attendees will be treated to their own signed copy of the book.

After growing up in Atlanta, Connor made her way Chicago, then Barcelona and, eventually, settled in New York. Along with working on contemporary romantic paintings in her studio, she also heads up Active Ideas Productions, an org which aims to support the education and development of emerging artists. “The arts are a huge part of the American economy,” Connor says. “I think facilitating conversations like this and discussing how we can grow rather than limit the arts is incredibly important.”

As for what attendees can expect from her event, “I’m structuring these nights so that the bulk of the discussion is centered on a dialogue with the audience,” says says. “ I’m interested in discussing how business owners can more effectively manage their creatives, and how artists can establish themselves to survive on their art through new channels outside of the traditional gallery structure. I also want to discuss how the arts, entrepreneurs, and the tech communities across the country can work more together.” You know what they say: teamwork makes the dream work.

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