Creative Economy Master Plan
A Community-Driven Roadmap for Gwinnett's Creative Future
The Creative Economy Plan was built through a collaborative process that engaged communities & stakeholders from across the county. The final plan was adopted by the Create Gwinnett Board of Directors in 2024.
Why do we need a master plan for the creative economy?
The creative economy encompasses the people, businesses, organizations, and institutions that create, produce, support, and distribute cultural and creative experiences. A strong creative economy helps communities:
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Create jobs and economic opportunity
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Attract and retain talent
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Strengthen community identity and sense of place
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Support vibrant downtowns and public spaces
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Improve quality of life for residents
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Foster innovation and entrepreneurship
With more than one million residents and one of the most diverse populations in the United States, Gwinnett County is uniquely positioned to harness creativity as a community and economic development strategy, but there has never been a coordinated effort in Gwinnett to transform creativity into economic opportunity.
How the Plan Was Developed
The Creative Economy Plan was built through a collaborative process that engaged stakeholders from across the county. The planning process included:
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Community workshops and public meetings
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Stakeholder interviews
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Artist and creative business engagement
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Local government participation
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Research and data analysis
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Peer community benchmarking
Creative Economy Strategic Priorities
Build Infrastructure for Creative Support
Strengthen the systems, partnerships, resources, and organizations that support artists, creative businesses, and cultural activity across the county.
Advance Public Art and Placemaking
Expand opportunities for public art, creative placemaking, and cultural experiences that enhance community identity and activate public spaces.
Invest in Cultural and Community-Based Creative Work
Support creative projects, programs, and initiatives that reflect and celebrate the diversity of Gwinnett County.
Integrate Arts and Culture into Policy and Planning
Ensure creativity is considered in community development, economic development, transportation, tourism, and long-range planning efforts.
From Planning to Implementation
The Creative Economy Plan is intended to be a living roadmap. Implementation is being advanced through partnerships among local governments, nonprofits, businesses, artists, and community leaders throughout Gwinnett County. Create Gwinnett serves as the lead implementation partner, helping coordinate projects, partnerships, and initiatives that bring the Plan's recommendations to life.