Unique Program Provides Financial Support to Local Nonprofit
Organizations that Help Enhance Gwinnett County’s Cultural Landscape
DULUTH, Ga. – June 23, 2023 – Explore Gwinnett today announced it awarded nearly $200,000 in funding for project and operational grants through the 2023 Gwinnett Creativity Fund (GCF). Now in its fourth year, the GCF provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations that boost Gwinnett County’s economic development and further the community’s diverse cultural scene through funding from Gwinnett County. Two types of grants are offered through the program – project grants, which support arts and cultural projects, initiatives or programming, and operations grants support the arts organization’s overall mission, rather than specific initiatives.
“We are fortunate to be part of a community with such a flourishing arts and culture scene, and we commend all who applied for a GCF grant this year, as the efforts put forth were fantastic,” Lisa Anders, Explore Gwinnett executive director, who leads the GCF, said. “The contributions of the local organizations who received a grant in 2023 have made a profound impact on our community’s well-being, cultural growth and vitality. The Gwinnett Creativity Fund is a partnership with the support of Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, and it’s truly an honor and privilege to support the area’s talented individuals and groups each year through the Gwinnett Creativity Fund.”
The GCF 2023 Operations Grant Cycle awarded a total of $74,000 in funding for seven arts and culture organizations. Operations Grant recipients include:
- Atlanta Harmony Celebration
- Aurora Theatre
- The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning
- Lionheart Theatre
- Live Arts Theatre
- Suwanee Arts Center
- Weird Sisters Theatre Project
The GCF 2023 Project Grant Cycle awarded a total of $109,000 in funding for 17 arts and cultural projects taking place in 2023. Project Grant recipients include:
- African American Culture & Arts, Annual Festival
- Aurora Theatre, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”
- Fezziwig Foundation, “Into the Woods”
- Fresh Films, Summer Creative Cred Workshops
- Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, “Nutcracker”
- Gwinnett Classic Theatre, “Waiting for Lefty”
- The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, Permanent Collection Project
- JapanFest
- Norcross Gallery & Studios, Citywide Photo Contest
- Lilburn Elementary School, Inclusive Playground Mural
- Live Arts Theatre, “The Taming”
- Spectrum Autism Support Group, Autism-Friendly Arts and Musical Playground
- Sugarloaf Ballet, “Hansel and Gretel”
- Suwanee Arts Center, Summer Art Camps
- Suwanee Performing Arts, “Broadway in the Park”
- Suwanee Public Arts Commission, “Pierce’s Corner Mural”
- Weird Sisters Theatre Project, “Pros and Cons of Killing Your Cult Leader”
“We invite and encourage local arts and culture organizations that have not yet participated in the GCF’s grant application process to apply for funding next year, as we push forward to continue our collective mission of further enhancing the county’s already dynamic cultural landscape,” Anders said. “Applications for the fifth year of the Gwinnett Creativity Fund will open in early 2024, and we look forward to reviewing submissions form what we know will be some incredible, impactful organizations and initiatives!”
For more details on the Gwinnett Creativity Fund, visit GwinnettCreativityFund.com. Funding for the Gwinnett Creativity Fund is provided by Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with Explore Gwinnett Tourism + Film.
For details on Explore Gwinnett, visit ExploreGwinnett.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest Explore Gwinnett news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook.
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About Explore Gwinnett:
Serving as the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, Explore Gwinnett consists of 16 cities north of Downtown Atlanta. Gwinnett County offers award-winning dining ranging from authentic Asian fare to southern delights, an abundance of shopping, arts programming, outdoor activities and more. Locals and tourists alike can explore various culinary offerings with special year-round events including Sippin’ in the Suburbs Beer Tours and Seoul of the South Food Tours. Gwinnett County is a flourishing community for artists and also serves as a thriving production hub for popular films and television series.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cameron Trice, Hemsworth Communications
770-286-2207 | [email protected]