Kenny Blank Wins Nexus Award

Kenny Blank, executive director of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, won Atlanta Contemporary’s 2018 Nexus Award for his contribution to the contemporary arts landscape. The award recognizes local leaders who help make Atlanta an exceptionally vibrant arts community.

“I’m honored to accept this recognition from Atlanta Contemporary. Our [Arthur M. Blank] Family Foundation and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival share the passion for innovation and creativity embodied by Atlanta Contemporary and the Nexus Award,” Blank said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a community that celebrates culture and appreciates the role art and artists play in enriching our quality of life.”

Atlanta Contemporary said in its release, “The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival challenges conventional perspectives on complex issues facing the Jewish and global communities.”

The organization will honor Kenny Blank at a public reception Aug. 25.

“Having just celebrated its 18th year, the festival explores the Jewish experience, culture and history, life in Israel, and the work of Jewish artists through the lens of film and cinematography,” Atlanta Contemporary said.

Blank embodies the spirit of the Nexus Award, not only as a philanthropist through the family foundation, said Veronica Kessenich, executive director of Atlanta Contemporary. “As the executive director of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Blank ensures that Atlanta be viewed – at the local, national and international level – as a city that honors creativity and encourages provocative, ambitious and sometimes challenging conversations.”

Atlanta Contemporary engages the public through the creation, presentation and advancement of contemporary art.