The Graduate Year: PlacemakingJax 4.0
About the event
About the application
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.
Terms & Conditions
Application submission does not guarantee approval. You will be contacted if your idea is selected to move forward through our highly collaborative process.
Related files
Questions on the application
User information
- First name
- Last name
Additional information
- Name of Project Team Leaders?
- Primary Email
- Project Name and Description
- What space in the BID (see map) are you transforming or activating?
- Budget: Accepting a range of $3,000-$10,000
- Are there additional financial resources that will be invested in this project beyond PlacemakingJax dollars? Please note this is not a requirement!
- Target Community
- Timeline & Dates
- Past Experiences Activating Space
- Projected Attendance
- Marketing Plan
- Social Media Handles
- How would you measure the success of this project?
- Community
- What makes your idea a placemaking project?
- I attended the optional Placemaking School in November/December 2025 to better prepare for this application.
- When you are done with activating the public space, what are some ways you can keep coming back, help steward the space, and/or stay a part of improvements?
