After shaping Atlanta's cultural landscape for over a quarter century, Camille Russell Love is stepping down as the City's Director of Cultural Affairs, with plans to retire by the end of the year. The Atlanta Mayor's Office announced a national search for Love's successor, as she prepares to transition into an advisory role to the Mayor. During her tenure, spanning five administrations, she has championed the city’s arts scene, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant cultural programs and initiatives.
"Ms. Love has served the people of Atlanta with the utmost integrity and character," said Mayor Andre Dickens, according to a statement released by the City of Atlanta. Her dedication to the arts culminated in recognition from Artsy, which recently named Atlanta the #2 Emerging Art Capital to watch in 2024. This accolade underscores Love’s influence in propelling Atlanta onto the global stage as a hub for creativity and artistic expression.
In her decades-long career, Love has provided strategic vision for Atlanta's cultural cornerstones, such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the City's Public Art Program. Notably, she oversaw programs including Chastain Arts Center and Gallery, Elevate, and the Cultural Experience Project, forging pathways for both established and emerging artists. Such initiatives have not only enriched the community but have also drawn national and international acclaim to the city's burgeoning art scene.
Love's contributions have also extended beyond her executive duties; she has served on various cultural and civic boards, contributing to esteemed organizations like the National Black Arts Festival and the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund. Her tireless efforts have earned her a stir of honors, from the Inspired Cultural Excellence Award to the Ford Freedom Unsung Award - a testament to her role as a standard-bearer for the arts in Atlanta.
While the search for her replacement is underway, Love is not departing the arts scene entirely. In her emeritus role as the Cultural Affairs Senior Advisor to Mayor Dickens, she will continue to shape the policies and dialogues that drive Atlanta's cultural future. In her own words, Love is looking forward "to continuing my service" and working alongside Mayor Dickens in "Moving Atlanta Forward," a sentiment expressed during her retirement announcement, as per City of Atlanta.
The Mayor has assured the community that an announcement regarding the new Executive Director of Cultural Affairs will be made soon, ensuring that the momentum Love has built over the years will carry on with dynamic and visionary leadership.
