AC|A’s Interwoven Ecosystem

Arts Capital | Atlanta operates not as a hierarchy, but as a woven fabric—a network of interconnected strands that support and strengthen one another. Each group in the AC|A ecosystem contributes its own texture, tension, and color to the collective work of building a thriving, well-resourced arts community.

The AC|A Weave of Engagement

In our fabric, every strand matters:

  • Trustees, committee members, and staff form the core warp threads, providing structure, continuity, and direction as AC|A develops and grows.

  • Cohort Organizations are woven throughout the fabric—arts nonprofits across the 11-county region whose creative work shapes the cultural landscape.

  • Funders and partners act as reinforcing strands, adding strength, resources, and stability.

  • Allies and supporters (individuals, for-profits, and ineligible nonprofits) contribute flexibility and expansion—broadening the fabric and helping it adapt as the ecosystem changes.

Rather than fixed tiers, these strands bend, intersect, and support each other. The strength of AC|A comes from being interwoven, not ranked.

Cohort Organizations

Are

Cohort Organizations are the arts nonprofits whose work forms a major part of AC|A’s creative fabric. They:

  • Are nonprofit entities.

  • Have an arts-based mission, with the majority of programs accessible to the public.

  • Are based in, and produce work within, the ARC-defined 11-county metro Atlanta region.

  • Operate with an annual budget between $5,000 and $15,000,000.

  • Are not subsidiaries of a larger organization.

Do

By participating as active strands in the AC|A ecosystem, cohort organizations commit to:

  • Completing AC|A’s annual State of the Sector survey.

  • Participating in sector-wide advocacy events.

  • Attending AC|A’s annual Town Hall.

  • Including AC|A information in event programs and on their website.

  • Sharing AC|A calls to action in newsletters.

  • Providing photos and/or video that highlight their creative work.

Receive

Participation weaves organizations into a stronger network of support. Cohort Organizations gain:

  • Opportunities to join AC|A committees and leadership groups.

  • Access to AC|A’s Community of Practice.

  • Recognition on AC|A’s website and ecosystem map.

  • Regular updates on AC|A’s campaign progress and funding initiatives.

How to Join the Cohort

Organizations interested in being woven into the AC|A fabric will:

  1. Complete a short form confirming eligibility.

  2. Indicate agreement with the participation commitments above.

  3. Submit a logo, website link, mission statement, and a primary contact.

Once confirmed, organizations will appear on the AC|A website as part of the cohort.

Complete the Form to Join

Important Note

  • Participation in the cohort—or in any AC|A group—does not guarantee funding, nor does it exclude organizations from future funding opportunities.