Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, is thrilled to announce it has awarded $100,000 in grants through the Gwinnett Creativity Fund’s (GCF) inaugural Placemaking Grant. By providing financial support for projects that enhance public spaces, the Placemaking Grant encourages vibrancy and activity while serving the community’s functional, aesthetic and social needs. Funding was awarded to eight placemaking projects, with the majority of grants supporting initiatives in unincorporated Gwinnett—expanding access to the arts in historically underserved areas.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to support projects that use creativity to uplift and transform shared spaces,” said Lisa Anders, Explore Gwinnett’s chief operating officer, who leads the Gwinnett Creativity Fund. “Inspired by the words of poet John Dryden, ‘mighty things from small beginnings grow,’ this grant cycle prioritized small to midsize projects, with a focus on areas with limited access to the arts. From murals to decorative crosswalks, these projects help strengthen a sense of place while sparking pride connection and momentum.”
Placemaking is the art of revitalizing public spaces in creative, engaging and accessible ways, often integrating art, culture and design to celebrate local history and tradition, foster community connections and transform everyday areas into vibrant, inviting spaces.
A total of $64,000 in funding was awarded to projects in unincorporated Gwinnett, including:
• $30,000 to Art in Motion for a 2,600-square-foot mural at Singleton Park in Norcross, part of a larger park revitalization effort
• $15,000 to Sugarloaf Community Improvement District (CID) for two decorative crosswalks totaling 1,643 square feet, continuing the existing Synchronicity Mural design at the Sugarloaf Parkway and I-85 underpass
• $11,500 to Hudgens Center for Art & Learning for an 864-square-foot wall mural at the entrance to the School of Fine Arts
• $7,500 to Sugarloaf Mills LP for a 288-square-foot continuation of the Sugarloaf CID decorative crosswalks
The remaining $36,000 was distributed to city-based projects, including:
• $12,500 to the City of Suwanee Public Arts Commission for a reading grotto at the Gwinnett County Public Library entrance in the new Town Center Park
• $10,000 to the Norcross Public Arts Commission for the multi-phase “Norcross Forever” utility box wrap project featuring postage-stamp-inspired designs celebrating the city’s history
• $10,000 to the City of Peachtree Corners for a pocket park in Technology Park featuring a gathering space, trail, fitness equipment and more
• $3,500 to the City of Duluth for a bioswale and landscape feature designed to collect and filter stormwater in a high-traffic pedestrian area adjacent to Coleman Middle School
“This first round of Creativity Fund Placemaking Grants represents exactly what makes Gwinnett so special – collaboration, innovation and a deep investment in our diverse communities,” said Nicole Love Hendrickson, Gwinnett County chairwoman. “I’m especially proud that many of these inspiring projects are taking root in unincorporated Gwinnett, helping us reimagine public spaces and create meaningful access to the arts for all.”
The GCF aims to increase Gwinnett County’s profile as a cultural, inclusive destination where the arts educate, elevate and inspire. Grants are developed, administered and managed by Explore Gwinnett Tourism + Film and funded by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. The GCF strives to assist organizations to grow and evolve, enhance programmatic opportunities, reach underserved audiences, and enhance Gwinnett County’s economic and cultural destination status.
