The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) is proud to welcome Adriane V. Jefferson as our new Executive Director. A nationally recognized leader in cultural equity, arts administration, and community transformation, Adriane brings over two decades of experience shaping inclusive arts policies and fostering creative innovation. Her leadership will not only honor Atlanta’s rich artistic legacy but also propel our cultural landscape into an exciting new era of growth and accessibility.
Before joining us, Adriane served as the Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven and the Executive Director of New Haven Festivals Inc. Her impact on the city was profound—she led the creation of Connecticut’s first Cultural Equity Plan, a model now recognized nationwide, and launched transformative initiatives like the Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge, the New Haven Black Wall Street Festival, and the city’s first Poet Laureate program. Under her guidance, New Haven experienced a cultural renaissance, with its largest-ever public art installations and strategic partnerships that fueled economic growth. Her commitment to equitable cultural tourism helped position New Haven as one of the New York Times’ top places to visit worldwide in 2023.
Adriane’s expertise extends far beyond local initiatives. She has played a key role in shaping statewide arts policy as an Arts Program Manager for the State of Connecticut Office of the Arts, prioritizing equity, access, and inclusion. Her leadership on programs like Poetry Out Loud, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, engaged youth across the state, ensuring diverse voices were represented in performance and literature. Her national and international influence continues to grow. Adriane has served as Co-Chair of Yale University’s Committee on Art Recognizing Enslavement, advocating for deeper conversations about historical inequities through art. As a Federal Captain for Americans for the Arts: Arts in Action, she champions national arts policies in Washington, D.C., while her role in the Global Cultural Districts Network keeps her at the forefront of international discussions on arts innovation and equity.
Her work has been featured in Black Enterprise, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Yahoo News, and she has received numerous accolades, including the American Express Emerging Leadership Award, 40 Under 40 honors from Connecticut Magazine and the Urban Professional Network, and being named one of New Haven Biz’s Top 5 Leaders to Watch in 2023. In 2024, she was honored with the Heritage Award from the Black and Hispanic Caucus, the Women in Leadership Award from the Black Business Alliance, and the Agent of Change Award from the Long Wharf Theatre.
As our new Executive Director, Adriane joins us in our mission to develop, promote, and preserve Atlanta’s cultural vibrancy. Together, we will expand world-class cultural experiences like the Atlanta Jazz Festival, strengthen economic support for artists and arts organizations, and advance public art initiatives that showcase Atlanta’s diverse creative voices. With Adriane’s leadership, we look forward to forging new partnerships—locally, nationally, and internationally—to solidify Atlanta as a global cultural powerhouse. We are thrilled to welcome Adriane to our team and look forward to the innovation, inclusivity, and visionary leadership she brings to Atlanta’s arts and culture scene.