The Anchor is an emergent collaboration between a community of artists and a sacred site, and a creative process of preserving and transforming a historic church in the middle of Atlanta into a sanctuary for artists.  We understand the Anchor to be a living entity, a diverse ecosystem within itself, a reservoir of history and potential, with whom we are in caring and dynamic collaboration.  

We speak about the Anchor as a “creative process” because we understand that in order for this place to be a genuine refuge for artists, artists must be the ones to design the conditions and working modes that allow us to grow, heal and create.  We do this in accordance with the methods of scholarship, collaboration and cultural engagement that we have devoted our lives to learning and practicing.  We understand that where artists and artistic lifeways are sustained and celebrated, the larger community of people and place is increasingly nourished.  

I, Helen, am the lead artist and advocate of this process as the Anchor’s circle of leadership widens. We are in partnership with Georgia Avenue Church, the faith community in which I grew up, which has been rooted here since the early 80’s. This now small congregation of visionary elders has passed the torch to us as stewards for the next chapter of the life of this storied and beloved place. We acknowledge with immense gratitude and grief that we stand upon the shoulders of the many who have gone before us, and we uplift their memory, their love, and their labor. We hold, with fire in our hearts, the knowledge that this beautiful structure was built in an unjust way, and resides upon the ancestral lands of the Muscogee, Creek and Cherokee peoples. We endeavor to be here in a way that honors and restores relations among our human and more-than-human kin.

To participate in upcoming sharings at the Anchor, please see November Nights. To be added to our email list about the Anchor, please send us an email to: anchor.gac@gmail.com

Below are a few images of some of the artists and happenings at the Anchor in our early stages. (photo descriptions listed in order underneath the gallery.)

Photo descriptions by frame: 1. the Anchor building and neighboring Oak tree. 2. Kudzu Nation performing “Heartburn.” 3. Quilombolas de Luz Atlanta, Afro-Brazilian dance class with Ingride Banzo 4. Andre D. Lumpkin and the audience gathered for “Tap In.” 5. candlelit dance and music improvisation at Helen’s birthday ArtJam 6. Tricia Hersey and Helen Hale during the Nap Ministry’s “Rest Is Resistance” book launch celebration. 7. Gavin Bernard dancing in the sanctuary. 8. PhaeMonae Brooks and cast taking a bow after “Tap In" with standing ovation. 9. Angelica Hairston and Shawn J. Moore performing during “Exhale”. 10. Angel Trumpet flowers blooming in the yard. 11. Stained glass windows in the morning sun. 12. People arriving at the Anchor for the “Rest Is Resistance” book launch celebration.