Atlanta, Georgia – January 16, 2026 — Fulton County Arts & Culture has named three accomplished artists from the metro Atlanta area to join its esteemed 2026 Public Art Futures Lab residency programme, marking a significant step forward in blending creative expression with advanced digital tools. The selected participants—Jada Harlan from Decatur, Marcus Vega from Sandy Springs, and Lena Kwame from East Point—will embark on an 18-week journey beginning in late April 2026 at the lab’s vibrant downtown Atlanta facility. This initiative, now in its fifth year, continues to foster groundbreaking projects that enrich public spaces and strengthen community ties across Fulton County.
Jada Harlan, a multimedia sculptor known for her interactive installations that incorporate augmented reality overlays, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. “This residency offers the perfect canvas to evolve my work, drawing in everyday Atlantans to experience art in fresh, immersive ways,” Harlan stated during a recent announcement event. Her project will explore sustainable urban narratives, using projection mapping to highlight local green initiatives on downtown facades. Marcus Vega, a digital sound designer from Cobb County, brings expertise in generative audio environments paired with sensor technology. Vega plans to craft responsive soundscapes that adapt to pedestrian movement near MARTA stations, promoting a deeper sensory connection to the city’s rhythm. Lena Kwame, celebrated for her data-driven textile works, will develop wearable prototypes that visualise community stories through embedded LED displays and mobile apps, encouraging public participation via shared digital threads.
Hosted in partnership with Atlanta Downtown and MARTA Artbound, the residency equips artists with a state-of-the-art studio featuring 3D graphics workstations, virtual reality systems, projectors, and collaborative software suites. Each resident receives a stipend between $5,000 and $8,000, enabling focused creation without financial strain. The programme’s self-directed structure allows flexibility, guided by residency briefs co-developed with partners to ensure projects resonate with downtown’s evolving landscape. Residents commit to weekly studio presence, progress check-ins, and a culminating public showcase—such as outdoor projections or interactive workshops—set for early September 2026.
This selection process, which concluded juried evaluations in mid-March, prioritised originality, technological integration, project feasibility, and potential community impact. A panel of experts from arts organisations, tech firms, and academic institutions reviewed over 150 applications submitted by the February 10 deadline. Scorers awarded points for innovative responses to themes like urban vitality and inclusive engagement, underscoring the programme’s role in nurturing talent from diverse disciplines. Eligibility focused on artists living or working in the 11-county Atlanta metro region, including Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett, with provisions for those demonstrating strong Atlanta connections.
The Public Art Futures Lab has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural ecosystem since its inception. Past residents, like 2025 participant Samantha Richardson, have praised the platform’s role in amplifying their visions. Richardson noted how open studios and downtown exhibitions validated her contributions to public art, forging lasting networks. This year’s cohort builds on that legacy, with Harlan, Vega, and Kwame poised to activate spaces through technology-enhanced works that invite broad participation. Partnerships with institutions like Georgia State University and local nonprofits will provide mentorship, expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.
Community leaders hailed the announcement as a testament to Fulton County’s investment in cultural progress. “These artists embody the innovative spirit driving Atlanta’s future,” said a representative from Atlanta Downtown. The residency not only supports individual growth but also cultivates long-term collaborations, with residents encouraged to host educational sessions and contribute to county-wide events. By year’s end, their creations will grace digital billboards and transit hubs, sparking conversations and inspiring future creators.
Looking ahead, the lab’s expansion includes summer 2026 internships through the Partnership for Innovation, pairing students with sustainability-focused projects. Such efforts reinforce Atlanta’s position as a hub for art-tech fusion, benefiting residents through accessible, forward-thinking experiences. As Harlan, Vega, and Kwame prepare to dive in, their work promises to illuminate downtown Atlanta, weaving technology and creativity into the fabric of everyday life. This residency exemplifies how targeted support can yield enduring positive change, empowering artists to shape inclusive public realms for generations to come.
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