FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laken Gudzak
904.634.0303
laken@dtjax.org
Downtown Vision Announces VyStar Credit Union’s Continued Support of PlacemakingJax
Announcing the PlacemakingJax 4.0 Projects Selected to Activate Downtown Jacksonville
Mar. 20, 2026 — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Downtown Vision (DVI), Downtown Jacksonville’s nonprofit business improvement district (BID), announced today that VyStar Credit Union is renewing its presenting sponsorship for DVI’s placemaking program. Through this partnership, PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union will continue to enhance the public realm in collaboration with community partners, giving people reasons to linger longer, explore and create lasting memories in Downtown Jacksonville.
Launched in 2022 under the leadership of DVI’s Vice President of Placemaking, Kady Yellow, PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union provides technical support, funding and strategic guidance to local creatives and community leaders. The program removes barriers and empowers residents to activate public spaces through “pop-up” art, culture, food, music and storytelling experiences, strengthening Downtown’s identity as Jacksonville’s cultural hub and inspiring Jacksonville residents and visitors to broaden their understanding of the neighborhood.
“Our partnership with Downtown Vision is rooted in a shared belief that vibrant public spaces are essential to a strong, connected city,” said Patricia McElroy, VyStar Credit Union Senior Vice President, Foundation President. “This year’s projects reflect the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our community, and we’re honored to support the artists and leaders who are transforming shared spaces into places where connection and culture thrive.”
Each year, PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union holds an open call for placemaking projects. Through this competitive process, local creatives are selected to develop and implement activations in Downtown’s underutilized spaces. This year’s portfolio includes a blend of new Incubator Projects and returning Legacy Projects.
The PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union 4.0 Graduate Year projects are listed below.
Activation dates and programming details will be announced throughout the year.
Incubator PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union Projects:
- Evidence of Life • Interactive printmaking workshops at Main Street Park, led by local visual artists Elai Rodney and Rion O.
- The Sitting Room • A six-week pop-up storytelling series featuring an iconic, brightly colored couch that will be a magnet for conversation, fostering connection in DTJax, led by Mesha Russell, Brea Butler and Tru Peterson.
- Breakfast Around the World • A rotating cultural breakfast experience curated by Noelle Maria and Noelle Barber of Flowers & Coffee, transforming an empty storefront into an unforgettable brunch experience.
- Duuuval Walls • A two-day mural festival transforming an 800-foot wall along the Emerald Trail into a collaborative public art installation, led by Samantha and Victor Alexander, with workshops, lectures and artist mixers.
- House Picnic Presented by Underwire Collective • A free public gathering at RiversEdge celebrating house music and music history, led by Bianca Dawson and Kensley Stewart.
Legacy PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union Projects:
- Duval to the World: A Flavorful Legacy of Black Chefs • A highly curated, multi-sensory immersion, elevated eating and drinking experience bringing guests through the culinary history of Jacksonville at Treaty Oak Park.
* This activation will take place on March 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Additional information can be found here. - Curated by Kalin Anderson • An unforgettable outdoor dining experience led by Chef Naps of Moncrief.
- The Pop Out • A community concert series honoring Historic LaVilla’s history led by DJ Larry Love and Karissa Hall at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park.
- The Petite Jax • Fine art installations activating vacant storefronts, curated by Kandice Clark of Black Mural Map, located at 112 E. Adams St.
- Skyway Social • A platform party in partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, led by locally grown, nationally acclaimed, RTeam.
- 41 East Duval • A small business incubator supporting innovative start-ups, featuring Konbini Labo by Elena Ohlander, Paulus Music Co. by Nicholas Kanobroski and KollectJax by Keegan Jervis and Hootie Shepherd.
- The Block Skate Supply • An authentic skateboarding community shaping Artist Walk Skate Park.
“We’re thrilled to see PlacemakingJax continue evolving and expanding its impact,” said Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision. “These projects reflect the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Jacksonville and thanks to VyStar Credit Union’s continued support and partnership, we can amplify community voices and create meaningful experiences that continue to bring people together in Downtown.”
Additional sponsors and partners for the program include the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida and the Downtown Investment Authority.
Visit DTJax.com/placemaking for more information on PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union initiatives and upcoming projects.
###
About Downtown Vision
Downtown Vision is a not-for-profit organization revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville through district services, stakeholder support, marketing, research, events and placemaking. Primarily funded by a self-assessment of Downtown property owners and governed by a board representing a diverse array Downtown stakeholders and community leaders, DVI administers a 1.3 square mile Business Improvement District. For more information, visit DTJax.com/DVI.
About PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union
Introduced in 2022, PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union is a collaborative initiative that empowers Jacksonville residents to create pop-up activations or large-scale interventions in Downtown Jacksonville, transforming underused public spaces into celebrated community places. PlacemakingJax is facilitated by Downtown Vision and is funded in part by the DTJax Gala held each February, along with support from sponsors including the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida and the Downtown Investment Authority. For more information, visit DTJax.com/placemaking.
About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 79 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than one million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.