Lizzie Zucker Saltz, ATHICA's founder and director, began the institute in 2001 with the help of FiveArt, Inc., a group of local developers and arts boosters.
The space is located in the Chase Street Park warehouse district, an area just over a mile from Athens' downtown.
Each year, ATHICA hosts three exhibitions of contemporary art, centering on politically and socially engaged themes.
[3] Exhibitions have covered a wide variety of issues, have included national and international artists, and are regularly reviewed by local publications.
[4][5][6] The organization also hosts affiliated events like music and dramatic performances, panel discussions, and film screenings, and offers gallery space for local and regional artists between curated shows.