Reflecting on a Year of Growth, Community, and Celebration: A Look Back at 2024
As we near the end of 2024, it’s incredible to look back at all the memorable moments that shaped this year. In addition to our annual community celebrations such as Art In the Park, Poetry Fest, Galaxy Fest and Brew & BBQ, we also forged new partnerships and were a part of so many exciting events. It has truly been a year to remember. Here’s a glimpse of the highlights that made this year unforgettable.
Teal-Gate on New Year’s Eve: A Bold Start to the Year
We kicked off 2024 with an unforgettable event—Teal-Gate at Duval House on New Year’s Eve courtesy ofFOLIO. This gathering set the tone for the year, bringing together friends, family, and neighbors for a celebration of community, fun, and, of course, the Jaguars. It was a perfect start to a year filled with connection and excitement!
Sharing Our Story with the Downtown Council
Early in the year, we had the opportunity to speak to the Downtown Council about the work we’re doing. It was a chance to showcase our dedication to making downtown Jacksonville a vibrant and thriving space, and we were grateful for the support and engagement of the council in our ongoing mission. Later this year, we were humbled to be a recipient of a DTC Gives Back gift. This generous donation will allow us to continue our mission of enriching our community, and we are so grateful for the Downtown Council’s ongoing support.
The New Lounge Concept at ArtWalk
One of the highlights of the year was the launch of the new lounge concept at ArtWalk, featuring the incredible Mr. Al Pete. The atmosphere was electric, bringing back the feeling of the “old days” with a renewed energy that resonated with the crowd.
JWJ Park Redesign Inspiration
We ventured to Cary, NC, to visit a brand new park and gather inspiration for the redesign of JWJ Park. The experience is helping us to shape our vision for transforming the park into a community hub that honors both history and culture, and we can’t wait to see it come to life in the new year and beyond.
MOCA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration & Public Art Discussions
Another major milestone this year was celebrating our neighbor, MOCA during their 100th Anniversary. The event was nothing short of spectacular, with a killer party that brought together art lovers and community members to honor a century of cultural impact. During which, Jacksonville’s Stacked Stars sculpture by Frank Stella, commissioned by MOCA, was as shiny as the outfits at the party! What a joy it was to be a part of this milestone in Jacksonville’s rich artistic history! We also participated in a meaningful discussion about Public Art with local artists and fellow DTJax Stakeholders—a conversation that continues to shape our shared vision for Jacksonville’s cultural future.
Solar Eclipse Watch Party: A Celestial Experience
In April, we hosted an unforgettable Solar Eclipse Watch Party with Folio. It was a magical experience that brought people together to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. As we gazed at the sky, it was a perfect reminder of the beauty in moments of connection.
United Way’s 100th Anniversary and Community Concert
The United Way’s 100th Birthday was another highlight, celebrated with a community concert in the park. It was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work the United Way has done over the years while supporting their ongoing mission to create lasting change in our community.
Welcoming the Rotary Club to May’s ArtWalk
We had the privilege of welcoming the Rotary Club of Jacksonville to May’s ArtWalk, where we celebrated with a festive luau. It was a night full of laughter, music, and good vibes, as we celebrated the power of community and collaboration.
Celebrating James Weldon Johnson’s Birthday
In June, we honored James Weldon Johnson’s Birthday with new signage and a clean-up event in partnership with Vystar. It was a chance to give back to the community while paying tribute to one of Jacksonville’s most influential figures.
Becoming Visit Jacksonville Ambassadors
We were proud to join the ranks of Visit Jacksonville Ambassadors, playing an active role in promoting all the wonderful things our city has to offer. It’s an exciting time for Jacksonville, and we’re thrilled to be a part of its growth and vibrancy.
JWJ Park Brew for Brew & BBQ: A New Collaboration
We teamed up with Ruby Beach to create a specialty JWJ Park Brew for Brew & BBQ, a fun and flavorful collaboration that brought people together to enjoy great food, drinks, and community spirit. We love working with local businesses to create unique experiences that celebrate Jacksonville.
Civic and Community Vibrancy: Catalyst Convening
Another highlight was participating in the Non-Profit Center of NE FL’s Catalyst Convening on Jacksonville’s Civic and Community Vibrancy. It was an inspiring day of conversations, ideas, and strategies for strengthening our city, and we’re excited to continue being a part of these important discussions.
Snyder Memorial Church Reopens After a Decade
After more than ten years, Snyder Memorial Church opened its doors once again, and we had the privilege of programming the space during October, November and December ArtWalks. We are excited to see how this space will continue to serve and inspire in the years to come.
Live Broadcast of the Christmas Tree Lighting
We ended the year with a bang, collaborating with the City of Jacksonville and WJXT on the live broadcast of the Christmas Tree Lighting. It was a magical way to bring the community together to celebrate the holiday season and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished in 2024.
As we reflect on all that we’ve achieved this year, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. 2024 has been a year of connection, creativity, and growth. We can’t wait to continue our journey with you all in the new year!
Cheers to another year of making an impact, celebrating community, and bringing our collective vision for Jacksonville to life. Happy New Year!
