Lauren Haynes Named New Executive Director of Atlanta Contemporary

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Atlanta Contemporary has appointed Lauren Haynes as its new executive director, effective March 16. Haynes replaces interim director Everett Long, who had been in the position since last summer. Haynes brings a wealth of curatorial experience from institutions across the United States, including the Trust for Governors Island, Queens Museum, Duke University's Nasher Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

Why it matters

Atlanta Contemporary is a non-collecting art center that has faced some leadership changes in recent years, with Haynes' appointment bringing a sense of stability and continuity to the institution. Her extensive curatorial background and commitment to championing diverse artistic perspectives are seen as valuable assets for the organization.

The details

Haynes will take over from interim director Everett Long, who had stepped up last summer when Floyd Hall resigned after just 18 months in the role. Haynes has curated exhibitions featuring the work of artists like Tracey Rose, Lyle Ashton Harris, Georgia O'Keeffe, Alma Thomas, and Stanley Whitney over the past two decades. She has held curatorial roles at institutions across the country, including the Trust for Governors Island, Queens Museum, Duke University's Nasher Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas, and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

• Haynes will begin her new role as executive director of Atlanta Contemporary on March 16, 2026.
• Everett Long had been serving as interim executive director since last summer, after the previous director Floyd Hall resigned in 2025 after just 18 months in the role.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Haynes will begin her new role as executive director of Atlanta Contemporary on March 16, 2026, bringing a sense of stability and continuity to the institution after a period of leadership changes.