South Arts, the nine-state regional arts organization based in Atlanta, has named outgoing Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman as its next president and CEO. Shipman will assume the role in January 2026, just as the organization enters its 50th year. In an interview with WABE Arts, Shipman described the transition as a return to his cultural leadership roots — and a chance to help strengthen the South’s creative ecosystem at a pivotal moment for arts funding.
A regional role
South Arts is one of five regional arts organizations in the country, supporting artists and arts groups across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Its work spans grants, visual and literary awards, convenings and sustainability training, as well as close collaboration with all nine state arts agencies.
Shipman said the breadth of that mission was central to his decision to take the role.
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