The South's Rise as a Contemporary Art Hub
While New York and Paris might be the first cities to come to mind when it comes to contemporary art destinations, the American Southeast is currently on the rise to solidify its status as a significant contemporary art hub.
Since Art Basel, the renowned Swiss art fair, established a second base in Miami Beach in 2002, Florida has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s (and country’s) contemporary art scene. Now, neighboring states like Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are expanding their presence, further cementing the Southeast as a dynamic and influential region in the art world.
As one of the most populous metro areas within the U.S., Atlanta has been the heart of an active and diverse cultural art scene for decades. However, until last year, Atlanta has never had an art fair.
Occurring from October 3 - 6, 2024 at Pullman Yards, the inaugural Atlanta Art Fair marked a new chapter in Atlanta’s place in the art world. Organized by New York–based Art Market Productions, the creative events firm aimed to showcase Atlanta’s emerging potential for both locals and visitors, partnering with local talent and institutions including guest curators and the High Museum. Honoring Atlanta’s diverse identity, over one third of the exhibited galleries called the city home while others came from across the U.S. and abroad, including Ireland, Colombia, and South Korea. Mirroring the programming of other significant art fairs, the fair also created educational opportunities to engage with artists in roundtable and panel discussions as well as promoted other Atlanta art related events and installations. The success of the inaugural fair means it is set to return for its second year at Pullman Yards on September 25-28, 2025, continuing to contribute to Atlanta’s growth as an art hub.
For decades, Charleston, South Carolina’s historic charm and natural beauty have made it a renowned cultural destination. As its population grows and its appeal as a travel hotspot endures, the city only continues to solidify its reputation as a significant hub for the arts.
Besides Charleston’s beloved Spoleto Festival which offers a 17 day display of visual art exhibitions and performances, the city’s museums also offer exciting exhibitions and art experiences. Demonstrating the Southeast’s investment and interest in the arts, the International African American Museum recently opened in summer 2023. Located at Gadsden’s Wharf, one of the disembarkation sites in North America’s largest trans-Atlantic slave trade port, the museum examines the impact and history of the African American experience in Charleston, honoring untold stories. Along with nine permanent galleries, they also curate temporary exhibitions such as the current “Unsettled Things: Art from an African American South” which highlights overlooked Southern Black artists with over forty-four works.
A significant example of the region’s growth in its influence over the art market nationwide, the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston recently exhibited world-class fashion design involving garments by Alexander McQueen, Dapper Dan, Gucci, and beyond. The exhibition, “Statement Pieces,” pairs the museum’s permanent works of 18th and 19th century art with contemporary fashion objects, creating a dialogue that mirrors Charleston’s own bridge of the historic with the modern. This southern exhibition has reached wide audiences through features in prominent art and fashion magazines nationwide including Artnet, WWD, and Hypebeast.
The Gibbes Museums isn’t the only museum holding sophisticated world-renowned exhibitions. The Columbia Museum of Art held a French Impressionist Exhibition in early 2025 which included works by Monet, Jean-Francois Millet, Paul Cezanne, among other famous impressionist works from the 18th and 19th century. The success of this exhibition displays the demand for world-class art in the Southeast and will hope to bring other world-class artworks to the region for future exhibitions at institutions in the region. A permanent collection of art that comes to mind that also exemplifies the South’s significant role in the market beyond contemporary art is the collection of Andrew Wyeth’s at the Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA). Maintaining the world’s largest collection of Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors, it also includes one of his only self-portraits, many of his oil paintings and many works from others in the Wyeth family of artists, including his father and famed illustrator and painter, NC Wyeth.
On the opposite side of South Carolina, Greenville has long been an established art destination and continues to expand each year with a growing population, rising visitor numbers, and an ever-evolving array of galleries and events. Ranked #5 for top 10 Best Art Festival of 2025 by USA Today, Artisphere is one of Greenville’s signature events and a nationwide leader in fairs. This year’s festival occurring from May 9th - 11th marks the 21st edition and will showcase 140 select artists, as well as live performances and cuisine. While Artisphere has previously had activities for patrons to be a part of public art, Rules, created by Mexican artist Paola Ibarra Llano, is Artisphere’s first community engagement activity of this kind where visitors are able to contribute to the large, community mural, says Izzy Doering, Artisphere’s Communications Strategist. “We are always looking for ways for the community to engage with art and with each other in meaningful ways – this year’s “Rules” will be fun and an interesting exercise in self-inspection.” This will be the sixth permanent artwork provided to the city through Artisphere’s efforts.
Greenville’s Artisphere Festival not only provides an enriching experience for attendees but also contributes greatly to the city’s economy, playing a large role in the city’s development. Last year’s festival achieved record-breaking success, with artist sales reaching an all-time high of $2.6 million, nearly 100,000 attendees, and a $14 million economic impact. Additionally, the festival has contributed $900,000 back to the community since 2005. With Artisphere’s reputation, this year will likely see just as much or even more attendance and community impact, demonstrating the increasing interest and participation from national and regional art communities.
With the rise of new art events in Southern cities and the continued growth of established programs, the American South is proving itself to be more than just a regional player—it is becoming a formidable force in the contemporary art world. As institutions, festivals, and fairs across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and beyond invest in cultural programming and attract national and international attention, the Southeast is steadily shaping a distinct and influential artistic identity. What was once overlooked is now emerging as one of the most exciting and dynamic regions for contemporary art in the country—rich in history, brimming with talent, and poised for continued impact.
Sources:
“Art Lovers’ Paradise: 10 Best Art Festivals You Can’t Miss.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 12 Mar. 2025, https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-art-festival/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
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“Atlanta Art Fair.” Atlanta Art Fair, AMP, https://theatlantaartfair.com. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
“Charleston Gallery Association.” Charleston Gallery Association, https://www.charlestongalleryassociation.com. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Chen, Min. “Iconic Fashion Meet Fine Art Masterpieces in a New Museum Show.” Artnet News, 27 Feb. 2025, https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-fashion-statement-pieces-gibbes-museum-2612875. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Diop, Arimeta. “Is Atlanta the Country’s Next Great Art Hub?” Vanity Fair, 4 Oct. 2024, https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/is-atlanta-the-countrys-next-great-art-hub. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
International African American Museum, https://iaamuseum.org. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Scott, Chadd. “Inaugural Atlanta Art Fair Taking Place October 3 to 6 at Pullman Yards.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/chaddscott/2024/10/01/inaugural-atlanta-art-fair-taking-place-october-3-6-at-pullman-yards/. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Spoleto Festival USA, https://spoletousa.org. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
