Fulton County Arts & Culture Announces Upcoming Artist Residency

The Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture is pleased to announce the culmination of Eddie Farr’s three-month artist residency at the County’s Public Art Futures Lab, sponsored by Arts and Entertainment Atlanta and Microsoft.

Farr, an artist and musician, used algorithms, traffic navigation software, and real-time traffic updates to convert traffic data into generative art during his residency. Farr’s data-driven work allowed the ebb and flow of downtown Atlanta to create artwork that will be featured on three digital signs throughout the city during the month of February. In addition, Farr used his experience combining sculpture, hardware modification, and computer programming to breathe new life into recycled materials and create physical works programmed to respond to the same traffic data as his digital works.

“Residencies like the one sponsored by Fulton County Public Art and Arts and Entertainment Atlanta are extremely vital because they give artists the opportunity to creatively explore ideas they might not otherwise be able to,” said Farr. “I hope my art evokes a sense of wonderment in you that you felt as a child, because I think that’s something we tend to lose as we get older.”

The Public Art Futures Lab is a physical and online space to exhibit, experiment, educate, and experience the role of technology as it relates to public art. By reducing barriers to creating and participating in this emerging space, the Lab seeks to expand access to cultural enrichment, provide the tools for local artists to thrive, and maintain Fulton County’s status as a creative cultural capital.

“The Arts & Culture department is thrilled to provide increased access to art and technology through the Public Art Futures Lab,” said Arts & Culture Director David Manuel. “Through our residencies, partnerships, and events, we hope to grow Fulton County's art & tech ecosystem and support local artists working in this emerging field. Farr's work showcases some of the exciting possibilities available to artists working in digital mediums.”

“It is rewarding to be a part of a leading-edge program committed to providing local creatives space and resources to explore the cross-section of art and technology, and the work by A&E Artist-in-Residence, Eddie Farr, is another shining example of this amazing local talent,” said Fredalyn M. Frasier, Project Director of A&E Atlanta at Central Atlanta Progress.

“Eddie Farr’s A&E residency project truly represents the merger of art and technology; his ingenious use of traffic data and algorithms to create public art has captured our imagination. A&E Atlanta is excited to showcase Eddie’s innovative work on several district signs in February, and we’re certain those viewing his work will be equally enamored.”

Beginning February 1, Fulton County Arts & Culture and Arts and Entertainment Atlanta invite the public to view Farr's digital artwork on display.

Screen locations are as listed below:

• Reverb by Hard Rock Downtown Atlanta - 89 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Margaret Mitchell Square - 140 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• 75 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The Public Art Futures Lab is made possible through support from Microsoft, the Lab’s official technology partner; Underground Atlanta, the Lab’s host partner; and residency partners A&E Atlanta and MARTA Artbound.

For more information about ongoing programs and services, please visit: www.fultonarts.org or contact the Department of Arts & Culture at 404-612-4000.