2025 PLACEMAKING GRANT

The Gwinnett Creativity Fund’s 2025 Placemaking Grant is the first grant cycle dedicated solely to supporting Gwinnett County’s placemaking projects, with a focus on small-to-midsize projects, following the words of poet John Dryden, “mighty things from small beginnings grow.” The GCF Placemaking Fund ($100,000) requires a 25% cash match for all project applicants.

Due to limited grant funding, all grant requests may not receive full funding of the request. It is recommended any placemaking project incorporates multiple funding sources.

Placemaking is the art of creatively recharging public spaces in dynamic, engaging and inviting ways while ensuring wide accessibility. This grant was created to assist enhancement of public spaces, encouraging vibrancy and activity, while serving the needs of the community functionally, aesthetically and socially. Placemaking may integrate a wide variety of disciplines- including art, culture and design-to elevate interest in local history, tradition, community connection all with an overriding goal of making places better and attracting all communities to spend more time there.

WHO CAN APPLY? 

Applications will be accepted from the following (including but not limited to): arts/culture organizations, public art commissions, civic/community organizations, Community Improvement Districts (CID) and qualified city/county divisions. Applicants do not have to be an arts agency or non-profit organization to qualify. First priority for placemaking grants will be projects located in unincorporated Gwinnett County.

2025 PLACEMAKING GRANT TIMELINE

  • Application Period opens April 15, 2025 

  • Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

  • Placemaking Project Deadline: November 15, 2025

  • Final Report: December 15, 2025

PLACEMAKING THEMES

·       Wayfinding and Connectivity- linking spaces and places with means of traveling between.

·       Visually Stimulating- aesthetically dynamic from both a distance and up close, often unexpected.

·       Creativity and Flexibility – space functionality for a variety of activities for a diverse population.

·       Comfort and Safety- accessible with ease and a pleasant experience for the visitor.

·       Community Identity- setting a community apart visually and experientially.

·       Urban Design- connecting buildings and the spaces between them meaningfully.

EXAMPLES OF PLACEMAKING

  • Wall and Street Murals

  • Artistic Crosswalks and Traffic Circles

  • Sidewalk Dining/Cafés

  • Signage and Façade Improvement

  • Signal Cabinet wraps/painting

  • Creative Playscapes 

  • Parklets/Pop-Up Parks 

  • Greenspace Infrastructure  

  • Bike Racks/Parking

  • Bus Stop Beautification/Improvements

If you have any questions about eligibility, or to book an orientation, please contact gcf@exploregwinnett.org