(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Atlantic City Arts Foundation has appointed Michael Atkins as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2024. Atkins is native to South Jersey and leverages extensive experience in multimedia production and nonprofit communications into the crucial role of executive director. He is a proud Atlantic City resident with a lifelong passion for literature, visual arts, and performing arts.

Monica Casiello, Board President, shared, “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. 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. 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.”

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, commented: “I draw 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. It is my intention to expand the offerings of arts in the city, for the benefit of its residents, to exhibit local artists, and to invite artists to draw their own inspiration from this historic city. I want to thank the Board for this opportunity, and look forward to connecting with my neighbors in the weeks to come.”

For the past two years, Atkins worked 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, Michael 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. Throughout Fall 2024, the organization under Atkins’s leadership 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. As such, they welcome the suggestions, reflections, and imaginations of residents and artists who also love Atlantic City by emailing michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org. 

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs; partnerships activate community pride; civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.