Georgia Tech, renowned for its strong programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is taking a significant step towards integrating the arts into its educational framework with the establishment of a new initiative known as Creative Quarter.
This initiative aims to harness the university’s existing strengths and explore the intersecting opportunities within the arts and creative industries that are evolving both globally and within Georgia.
According to Jason Freeman, Georgia Tech’s associate vice provost for the arts, the Creative Quarter is focused on addressing the unmet potential present at this intersection.
“We feel like there’s an unmet potential here, in an intersection between all of the strengths Tech has and where we see arts and creative industries headed, globally and throughout the state,” Freeman stated in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Creative Quarter will provide students with access to state-of-the-art technologies used in the creative sector, allowing them to develop their skills and build relationships that could lead to successful careers and startups.
Freeman emphasized that the resources available within the innovation district will not only benefit students but will also be accessible to the wider community.
Over the past two decades, Georgia Tech has established two successful innovation districts: Tech Square and Science Square, both of which have become vital centers for investment in Midtown Atlanta.
Tech Square, covering approximately 8 acres, boasts over 100 startups and several innovation centers, including those affiliated with prominent companies like Cargill, Delta Air Lines, and Home Depot.
On the other hand, Science Square is an 18-acre development aimed at nurturing bioscience startups and enhancing life science innovations.
Recently, Duracell announced plans to open its global research and development headquarters within this district, further demonstrating the area’s growing significance.
While focusing on the creative industries may seem unconventional for a primarily STEM-focused university, Freeman asserts that art and technology are intrinsically linked, particularly in a major creative hub like Atlanta.
Many artists, ranging from illustrators to filmmakers, are increasingly relying on specialized software and hardware—such as drones, motion-capture suits, drawing tablets, lighting kits, and virtual reality equipment—to enhance their creative processes.
Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence is a pressing topic in discussions about the future of art.
Freeman pointed out that students at Georgia Tech are eager for artistic experiences, regardless of their major.
“The arts are important to a huge percentage of our students. Many of them are really interested in pursuing careers at this intersection of creativity and technology,” he added.
The Creative Quarter will be situated on the former site of Randall Brothers, a building products manufacturer.
This property, purchased by the university’s foundation in 2018 for $36 million, includes a vintage warehouse from the 1940s, which Georgia Tech plans to renovate.
Since its acquisition, the site has been designated for the development of this innovation district, according to Freeman.
Details regarding the specific plans for Creative Quarter are still forthcoming, but Freeman indicates that it will align with the university’s existing innovation districts, aiming to include both academic and commercial spaces such as retail, offices, and housing.
To ensure vibrancy year-round, he noted that the districts must offer facilities and spaces that serve the community beyond the academic calendar.
Creative Quarter will be built in phases, similar to the previous districts.
Freeman expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “On a site like this, our ambition is not to build to the scale of many of the tremendous facilities in the state.
We can build living laboratories to take these technologies further forward, particularly in areas like audio, visual recording, and virtual production.”
With the Creative Quarter, Georgia Tech seeks to foster innovation and collaboration at the cross-section of arts and technology, potentially transforming Atlanta’s creative landscape.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/georgia-techs-next-innovation-district-more-creative-than-first-two/
