What is placemaking?
Generally speaking, placemaking is the collaborative process of shaping quality public spaces where people want to live, work, play, learn, and connect. Informed by local culture and community, underutilized spaces are creatively transformed to enhance social and economic well-being for the people they serve. PlacemakingJax facilitates this process, empowering residents to reimagine, transform, and activate public spaces across Downtown Jacksonville.
How long do PlacemakingJax projects stay in place?
It depends. Some only last a few days. Others can last months—or even years. And some move from one location to another. It’s a very fluid, dynamic model.
What kinds of projects are being sought out?
Unique and unusual activations of public space that celebrate authentic local culture. The goal is to engage a few hundred people through each project site, focus on public space and build a sense of belonging through the process.
How will success be measured?
Projects are evaluated for their social and economic impact on project teams and the greater Jacksonville community through intentional methods of data collection suited to the nature of each particular project. Metrics for success can look like growth in self-employment opportunities, increased revenue for participating vendors and surrounding small businesses, a decrease in feelings of social isolation, and/or an improved sense of belonging and social connection to Jacksonville.
Who funds these projects?
Significant funding comes from the funds raised at Downtown Vision’s annual DTJax Gala, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and annual sponsors.
What’s the process for implementing these projects?
PlacemakingJax projects begin when residents share their ideas through our open call process. It begins with an online application, which will then be reviewed by DVI staff, the placemaking taskforce and a global network of experts to determine feasibility and mission alignment.