Explore Gwinnett has announced awarding $183,000 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.
Lisa Anders, executive director of Explore Gwinnett, says: “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. These organizations 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’s 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, $4,500;
- Aurora Theatre, $20,000;
- The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, $20,000;
- Lionheart Theatre, $7,000;
- Live Arts Theatre, $6,500;
- Suwanee Arts Center $10,000; and
- Weird Sisters Theatre Project, $6,000.
The GCF’s 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 and Arts, Annual Festival, $3,000;
- Aurora Theatre, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” $17,000;
- Fezziwig Foundation, “Into the Woods,” $3,500;
- Fresh Films, Summer Creative Cred Workshops, $17,000;
- Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, “Nutcracker,” $8,000;
- Gwinnett Classic Theatre, “Waiting for Lefty,” $2,000;
- The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, Permanent Collection Project, $6,000;
- JapanFest, $6,000;
- Norcross Gallery and Studios, Citywide Photo Contest,$3,000;
- Lilburn Elementary School, Inclusive Playground Mural, $7,500;
- Live Arts Theatre, “The Taming,” $2,000;
- Spectrum Autism Support Group, Autism-Friendly Arts and Musical Playground, $7,500;
- Sugarloaf Ballet, “Hansel and Gretel,” $2,500;
- Suwanee Arts Center, Summer Art Camps, $4,500;
- Suwanee Performing Arts, “Broadway in the Park,” $2,500;
- Suwanee Public Arts Commission, “Pierce’s Corner Mural,” $10,000; and
- Weird Sisters Theatre Project, “Pros and Cons of Killing Your Cult Leader,” $3,000.
Policing with compassion, collaboration extended
The Gwinnett Police Behavioral Health Unit contract with View Point Health has been extended. By adding police and licensed mental health clinician teams into police operations, Gwinnett Police can use compassion and collaboration to help with those experiencing a mental health crisis. The unit plays a key role in answering routine and emergency calls with an opportunity for residents to receive the care they need. The growth of this partnership has also led to the addition of more licensed clinicians in the unit.
Jennifer Hibbard, CEO of View Point Health says: “Thanks for the support of the county commissioners and our law enforcement partners, whose funding enables us to continue this important work.”
Since the implementation of these behavioral health units, View Point Health has responded to over 3,500 calls, of which less than two percent resulted in an arrest. This program provides a clinical intervention from a licensed clinician to support law enforcement officers to further ensure the safety of the community.
Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley announces retirement
Hedley
Lilburn City Manager Police Chief Bruce Hedley plans to retire after 12 years in the top position and 15 years with the city. His retirement is effective July 7, 2023.
Then City Manager Bill Johnsa tapped Hedley for the position in April 2011. The Lilburn native was the town’s deputy chief at the time but had been serving as interim police chief.
Under Hedley’s tenure, crime has decreased dramatically and the city enjoys that level of safety to this day. Hedley was routinely praised by past and current city officials for maintaining a safe community. Over the past decade, crime statistics show a 48 percent decrease in “Part 1 crimes,” such as homicides, robbery and burglaries.
Such low crime figures are a testament to Hedley’s leadership of the Lilburn Police Department, an agency with 30-plus sworn officers, City Manager Jenny Simpkins says.“Hedley got his officers to embrace an approach that’s keen on community engagement. It’s not unusual to see our officers in our City Park talking to citizens or playing catch with youngsters. They are respected in the community and they have earned it, in part, due to Hedley’s program.”
Last year, Hedley won the Gwinnett County Chamber’s Leadership Award for his excellence in community-oriented engagement. Hedley is a past president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
Capt. Chris Dusik will serve as acting police chief. He has served 18 years with Lilburn police after two years in Central Florida.
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