Atlanta has always known how to show up. And with the FIFA World Cup coming to the city this summer, Mayor Andre Dickens is making sure the world sees exactly what Atlanta is made of.
Dickens and the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs have officially announced the launch of The Atlanta Cultural Exchange, an immersive cultural platform set to run from June 14 through July 14, 2026, at The CTR in Atlanta.
What began as a vision called ATL Culture House has evolved into something far more expansive: a month-long celebration of art, fashion, music, film, innovation, and the creative spirit that has defined Atlanta for generations.
“The Atlanta Cultural Exchange is an opportunity for Atlanta to showcase the creativity, cultural achievements and vibrant community we have cultivated for generations,” Mayor Dickens said in a statement. “The Exchange is designed to provide a platform where local artists, performers and storytellers can celebrate Atlanta excellence on a local stage while amplifying their voices on a global scale.”
With FIFA World Cup 2026 bringing millions of visitors and billions of eyes to Atlanta this summer, The Exchange is designed to translate that global visibility into real economic opportunity for Atlanta’s creative community. The initiative creates new pathways for collaboration, investment, and participation, connecting culture directly to commerce at one of the biggest moments in the city’s history.
Anchored by the theme “Culture by Design,” the programming is curated to reflect both established and emerging voices across Atlanta’s creative ecosystem, with a deliberate focus on community-rooted storytelling and opportunities that bridge culture and commerce.
Live performances, film screenings, and community experiences will all be part of the platform, bringing together artists, creatives, organizations, and global partners under one roof for a full month.
“Atlanta has always been a city that moves culture forward,” said Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “The Atlanta Cultural Exchange allows us to showcase that leadership on a global stage while creating lasting opportunities for our creative community. As the world comes to Atlanta for FIFA World Cup 2026, this platform highlights Atlanta’s cultural leadership today and our role in shaping the global creative economy moving forward.”
The Atlanta Cultural Exchange runs June 14 through July 14, 2026, at The CTR.
