Artworks Gwinnett is launching a yearlong process for Create Gwinnett, its first-ever Arts and Creative Economy Master Plan, and wants to hear from residents across Gwinnett County. Create Gwinnett focuses on how arts and culture help foster economic prosperity in the county. It’s the result of a goal identified in Gwinnett County’s 2040 Unified Plan: to enhance Gwinnett’s profile as a cultural destination where the arts educate, elevate and inspire.

“Gwinnett is the most diverse county in the state, and we need to hear from all age groups to know where future funding should be concentrated,” says Jonathan Holmes, chair of Artworks Gwinnett. “What grade would you give your community for its arts vibrancy? How can we get it to an A grade? Tell us what you like, what you need, what you imagine.”

Let your voice be heard. If you live, work or play/experience in Gwinnett County, you can provide input now. Participation is welcomed and encouraged from all ages — Pre-K to community elders — to understand where and how Gwinnett residents are experiencing arts and culture today and what it can be in the future. Imagination is key. Three ways to participate include taking a survey, joining an in-person event or planning a do-it-yourself (DIY) community conversation:

· Take the survey: The short online survey will help Artworks Gwinnett understand where Gwinnett residents are currently experiencing arts and cultural events, what types of activities they have participated in, and what is missing from Gwinnett County that can help arts and culture thrive. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Korean at https://www.artworksgwinnett.org/create-gwinnett/.

· Attend an upcoming event: Create Gwinnett’s upcoming countywide meetings are on the following dates in Dacula, Snellville and Buford:

o Monday, Aug. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Dacula — Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Auburn Ave, Dacula 30019. Register for Dacula here.

o Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Snellville — Centerville Senior Center, 3025 Bethany Church Rd., Snellville, 30039. Register for Snellville here.

o Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Buford — Bogan Park, 2723 N. Bogan Rd. NE, Buford, 30519. Register for Buford here.

· Volunteer: Residents can volunteer to make sure their community’s voice is heard by downloading a Create Gwinnett DIY community conversation toolkit. Whether it’s with a circle of friends (neighborhood, book club, PTA meeting or a planned Zoom call with your favorite group), Gwinnett residents can take the initiative to host a conversation and upload the responses they hear from the group to https://www.artworksgwinnett.org/create-gwinnett/.

“Whether you attend events at the many cultural facilities in our county or in your neighborhood, whether you like making art or just experiencing it, you are a vital part of Gwinnett’s cultural ecosystem,” added Joy Bailey-Bryant, president of Lord Cultural Resources, the global consulting firm heading the team to facilitate the plan. “Visit artworksgwinnett.org to sign up for updates, get the latest information about the plan and share feedback throughout the year.”

Create Gwinnett focuses on equitable talent development, job expansion in the arts sector and policies for support of vibrant communities. The plan will chart Gwinnett’s pathway for regional and national creative leadership.