About
MARTA


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2024

 MARTA, NEXT, AND OFF THE WALL @ 725 PONCE TEAM UP TO BRING ART, FILM, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE TO THE BELTLINE
“Powerful Film Features Some of Atlanta’s Leading Artists Showcasing Commissioned Work on a MARTA Train Transformed Into a Vibrant Soundstage

Atlanta, GA – NEXT, an arts and social impact organization, in collaboration with MARTA Artbound and Off the Wall @ 725 Ponce, is proud to present the screening of The NEXT Movement, a film and broader campaign that explores the intersection of art and activism. This large-scale public art and film event will take place at 725 Ponce, transforming the eight-story building along the Beltline into a powerful outdoor canvas for public storytelling and cultural change.

“We are excited to highlight The NEXT Movement as part of Off the Wall,” said Gregory Zinman, an Emory professor of film and media and curator of the project. “This film reflects the best of what we aim to achieve—bringing art, community, and social engagement together in a public space to spark dialogue and inspire action.”

Set against the backdrop of a specially commissioned MARTA train, in the style of NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, The NEXT Movement film examines the socio-political challenges of recent years, from the pandemic to social unrest, and asks the critical question: Where do we go next?

The series highlights powerful performances by some of Atlanta’s leading artists working at the intersection of art and social justice:

  • Jon Goode, poet, author, and spoken word artist, exploring themes of identity, race, and community.
  • CC Sunchild, musician, and multidisciplinary artist blending music with activism to spark cultural understanding.
  • Okorie “OkCello” Johnson, an experimental cellist whose work fuses classical, jazz, and hip-hop influences.
  • Carlos Andres Gomez, poet, author, and activist whose work reflects on race, masculinity, and belonging.

The outdoor event, overlooking the Beltline, brings together the artistic mission of NEXT, MARTA’s role in connecting Atlanta’s communities, and the public platform provided by Off the Wall to foster dialogue, inspire action, and ensure art is accessible to all.

“Our goal with The NEXT Movement and this partnership is to ignite conversations that lead to meaningful change,” said NEXT CEO, Faith Carmichael. “By presenting our film as part of Off the Wall @ 725 Ponce, we’re able to engage those across the city in an unexpected, public way.”

“MARTA plays a key role in broadening the impact of the event by leveraging its transit network to promote the project and make it accessible to all Atlantans. “Art and public transit are both catalysts for community connection,” said MARTA Artbound Director, Katherine Dirga. “This partnership allows us to harness the power of art to do what MARTA does best – connect Atlanta’s riders, residents, and visitors, fostering a stronger community.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9
  • Time: 7:30 pm and 8:15 pm ET each night
  • Location: 725 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Admission: Free and open to the public (bring your blankets and lawn chairs!)

The NEXT Movement film series was curated by P. Faith Carmichael in partnership with Las Palmas Studios and Overnightish Films, as part of a collaboration between NEXT, MARTA Artbound and WABE Original Films.

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About Off the Wall
The largest movie screen in the Southeast, illuminating Atlanta’s Beltline Trail with film and video art from around the world.

About NEXT
NEXT-Atlanta showcases the most aspiring stars in the visual, musical, and literary arts while, at the same time, galvanizing the city’s creative class into a potent force for change.

About MARTA Artbound
MARTA’s public art program, Artbound, provides visual and performing art experiences dedicated to helping MARTA customers enjoy the ride.

About WABE
WABE is Atlanta’s original, independent, non-profit sources for news and local stories, delivering fact-based journalism and inclusive, engaging, cultural content that inform and connect Atlantans.

To learn more, visit www.next-atlanta.com or follow @MARTA_Artbound and @OfftheWall725 on Instagram.

Media Contact:
Leah Howard; nextatlanta@gmail.com; 404-542-0326

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