2023 Operations Grants

Photo gallery

Atlanta Harmony Celebration ($4,500) is an Atlanta-based women's a cappella group singing in the barbershop style. Formed in 2003, AHC! has enjoyed over a decade of performing throughout the community and participating in competitions. As a registered chorus of the international barbershop organization, Harmony, Inc., Atlanta Harmony Celebration! competes in area and international contests.

Lionheart Theatre ($7,000) works to enrich our community by making performance art entertaining, educational, affordable and accessible to the entire population. We encourage the experienced and the novice to join us and create something unforgettable. From Left to Right: Lisa Anders (Executive Director, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film), Tanya Gilmer (Producing Artistic Director, Lionheart Theatre) and Victoria Hawkins (Senior Director of Marketing & Destination Development for Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film).

The Gwinnett Creativity Fund Operations Grant provides much-needed foundational support for Gwinnett’s arts + cultural organizations, offering overall support of the organization’s mission, rather than specific projects or programs. This support is the working capital nonprofits need to sustain their day-to-day operations.

For the 2023 Operations Grant Cycle, we are pleased to award funding for seven (7) organizations, totaling $74,000!

Aurora Theatre ($20,000) at Lawrenceville Arts Center celebrates humanity’s rich cultural fabric through creative and educational programming, cultivating a community of belonging for all. From Left to Right: Lisa Anders (Executive Director, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film), Ann Carol Pence and Katie Pelkey (Aurora Theatre) and Clara Rooks (Marketing Communications Manager, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film.)

Live Arts Theatre ($6,500) is a community focused teaching theatre, where amateurs are paired with experienced professionals to produce diverse, challenging theatrical work which engages, educates, and entertains. From Left to Right: Lisa Anders (Executive Director, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film), Becca Parker (Live Arts Theatre) and Clara Rooks (Marketing Communications Manager, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film.)

The Weird Sisters Theatre Project ($6,000) creates theatre by women, for everyone, and is committed to cultivating opportunities for female artists, both onstage and off. We seek to raise the voices of women in our community while encouraging and supporting the next generation of female leaders. From Left to Right: Lisa Anders (Executive Director, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film), Tiffany Porter and Jaclyn Hoffman (Weird Sisters) and Victoria Hawkins (Senior Director of Marketing & Destination Development for Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film).

The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning ($20,000) works to bring together art lovers, leaders, and learners through quality classes, programs, and exhibitions. From Left to Right: Laura Ballance (Executive Director, The Hudgens) and Clara Rooks (Marketing Communications Manager, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film.)

Suwanee Arts Center ($10,000) provides opportunities for artists to thrive, fosters art appreciation through education and exhibitions, and serves as a catalyst for dynamic and vibrant community interaction with the arts. From Left to Right: Victoria Hawkins (Senior Director of Marketing & Destination Development for Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film), Cherie Heringer (VP, Suwanee Arts Center), Cynthia HIll (Executive Director, Suwanee Arts Center), Lisa Anders (Executive Director, Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film) and Amanda Shelnutt (Gwinnett Creativity Fund Grant Administrator.)