ATLANTA NATIVES WHO KNOW AND LOVE THEIR CITY:
Neda Abghari
CURATION
Neda is a curator, consultant and cultural advocate who has leveraged her experience in the arts, non profit and real estate sectors to engage and inform audiences through the cultivation of strategic partnerships locally and nationally for over two decades. As an Iranian born in the deep south, it is her priority to create space for systematically minoritized artists, organizations and communities.
Neda is an Arts & Culture architect who builds exemplary community based programs, cultural activations and programmatic systems. Her deep Atlanta roots and cross-sector relationships enable collaborations poised for proven impact and success. Abghari is the founder of The Creatives Project, the principal art advisor for Midtown Alliance’s Heart of the Arts Program and serves as a volunteer coach for ULI’s Art in Place program.
Bem Joiner
CONNECTION
Bem Joiner brings a unique understanding of how to connect brands and community networks. He is the mastermind behind Atlanta Influences Everything, has become a prominent figure in shaping and connecting communities in Atlanta. Joiner’s innovative approach involves harnessing the power of Atlanta to foster a sense of unity and pride among its residents.
Through his leadership and vision, Joiner has created a platform that celebrates the city’s rich culture, emphasizing its influence not only on the local population but also on a broader scale. Joiner’s ability to articulate the essence of Atlanta’s influence has not only resonated with the community but has also inspired a collective effort to strengthen the bonds that define the city’s identity.
Samara Minkin
COLLECTION
Samara Minkin is a consultant with over 25 years of experience in arts and culture across public, private, and nonprofit institutional sectors. She has advised three Atlanta Mayors on arts and cultural policy while serving in a unique role within the Office of the Mayor. From that position, she launched an acquisitions program to bring museum-quality international sculpture to Atlanta — a first for the city.
Prior to the Mayor’s Office, Samara consulted corporate clients on acquisitions and collections management, developing programs that used art to highlight values and build community. She has held positions at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC; the Israel Museum in Jerusalem; the Tel Aviv Museum; and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Paley Center, also in New York City.
