Next Atlanta
04/15/2026
Two weeks ago, the Thriving Together Atlanta x BLVDNEXT activation transformed the former Atlanta Medical Center site into a living, breathing canvas. We debuted a large-scale construction wrap of our exhibition “20 Voices. 1 Shared Story,” featuring 20 of Atlanta’s leading artists, healers, and civic voices — captured by Iyahdae Art and curated by Next Atlanta CEO Faith Carmichael — that set the tone for a day of creativity and connection.
The Soul Brothers Djembe & Dundun Drummers opened with electrifying percussion, followed by powerful performances from poet Adán Bean and vocalist Bria Anai. Kymistri Wellness LLC helped ground and reset us with sound bowl healing, while a community mural led by Tracy Murrell and Marryam Brown of the Moma Murrell Collective came to life in real time — layer by layer, hand by hand, as neighbors added their mark.
A reimagined MARTA bus (designed by NEXT’s Cat Lee and Yana Lee-Fong) doubled as an intimate mobile gallery and, later, a stage for an immersive performance by Out of Hand — blurring the lines between movement, theater, and visual art in a way that captured the spirit of the Thriving Together Atlanta Mobile Art Experience. As the day closed, Adan and Bria returned for a joint performance — pulling everyone into a shared moment that was powerfully healing.
A huge thank you to our Thriving Together Atlanta partners — NBAF - National Black Arts, City of Atlanta - Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, MARTA, Out of Hand, and Bloomberg Philanthropies — and our hosts Wellstar Health System, , and BLVDNEXT, for showing up as true partners; for bringing art, storytelling and community into this space and so many others across our city — and for making moments like this possible.
📸: Terence Rushin and C Mitchell Studios LLC
"20 Voices. 1 Shared Story."
A portrait of the people helping Atlanta thrive.
Meet Tracy Murrell, an Atlanta-based artist and educator whose work centers joy, reflection, and creative healing. She’s also half of the Moma Murrell Collective, teaming up with Marryam Moma to bring bold, community‑focused public art to life.
Tracy is one of the artists featured in the Thriving Together Atlanta portrait series.
The exhibition, photographed by Iyahdae Rose and curated by Next Atlanta's Faith Carmichael, is on view at One Contemporary Gallery through March 31st.
Up next, the portraits move into public space on March 28th at BLVDNEXT as part of the Thriving Together Atlanta public art installation and Mobile Art Experience, hosted by Wellstar Health System and The Integral Group.
Come on out on Saturday, March 28th, from 1-4 pm for the unveiling - where Tracy will lead a live community mural - and enjoy a day of art and connection, free and open to all.
Bring your appetite - Fat Street Tacos and Carrie's Italian Ice will be serving up local favorites throughout the afternoon. RSVP here: NEXT Presents: BLVDNEXT x Thriving Together Atlanta
Grateful to our partners NBAF - National Black Arts, City of Atlanta - Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, MARTA, Out of Hand, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
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