The Atlantic City Arts Foundation has a new leader.
Michael Atkins was named executive director effective this month.
"I love living in Atlantic City," Atkins said in a short video introducing himself as Beethoven plays. "I believe that everyone deserves a direct intimate connection with the arts. It's my intention to make sure that there are more opportunities to experience the arts in Atlantic City; more opportunities for artists to exhibit their creativity."
Atkins is a South Jersey native, bringing extensive experience in multimedia production and nonprofit communications into his new role.
“The board conducted a thorough search, with applicants from far and wide, yet found Michael’s unique set of qualifications and incredible dedication right here in Atlantic City," board President Monica Casiello said. "The board and I are thrilled to bring Michael’s talents and experience to the Atlantic City Arts Foundation.
"This will be a perfect fit for our organization, and will lead to great things for the arts in Atlantic City," she added. "This is a pivotal moment for the organization, as we will unveil our 100th public mural this fall. Michael will lead this organization to expand and enhance our arts programming and presentation.”
The new director said he draws “inspiration from the rich history and vibrant culture of Atlantic City, a place where the arts and social progress have long gone hand in hand."
Atkins worked for the past two years as the communications director for New Jersey Future, a statewide policy nonprofit that advocates for equitable investment in infrastructure, and a fair balance between development and preservation.
Prior to relocating to New Jersey in 2021, he served as the communications director for Friends of the Los Angeles River, an environmental humanities nonprofit that utilizes art, poetry and ecological education to advocate for equitable access to a rewilded river.
Atkins worked in broadcast film television before entering nonprofits, whose production credits spanned independent film and documentary to reality television, during which he interviewed hundreds of subjects including congresspersons, indigenous tribal leaders, architects, authors, and artists.
This fall the Atlantic City Arts Foundation will celebrate its 100th public mural at Cardinal Restaurant in the Orange Loop at a free public event.
Under Atkins’s leadership, the organization will conduct listening sessions and develop a strategic plan to set a direction moving forward, with sustained emphasis on community engagement, artists' opportunity, expanded programmatic offerings, and economic development.
Atkins invites the community to reach out by emailing him at michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org.
