RYSE Creative Village Receives $125,000 Grant to Fuel Community Creativity and Growth

In a remarkable show of support for the creative sector, Develop Fulton has granted $125,000 to RYSE Creative Village, a burgeoning talent incubator located in Southwest Atlanta. This funding, unanimously approved by the Develop Fulton Board of Directors on December 3, 2024, marks a significant step toward enhancing the creative ecosystem in Fulton County, particularly for the area's historically underserved populations.

Located at 1261 Lockwood Drive SW, RYSE Creative Village plans to transform a long-vacant Atlanta Public School building into a cutting-edge content production studio and incubator tailored for creative professionals. The facility will cater to vital training needs and skill development necessary for aspiring artists to thrive in Georgia's dynamic film, music, arts, gaming, and immersive media industries.

Chairman of the Develop Fulton Board, Kwanza Hall, emphasized the project's importance, stating, "RYSE Creative Village aims to implement a $30 million mixed-use development that significantly enhances resources for Georgia’s burgeoning multi-billion-dollar creative industry." He noted that this grant is a crucial first step in addressing the $500,000 funding gap needed for the project’s realization, even announcing the board’s willingness to consider increasing their financial commitment.

The grant will support essential capital improvements and further the redevelopment of a currently blighted area, turning it into a vibrant hub for innovation and creativity. Jay Jackson, the leader of the RYSE initiative, expressed gratitude for Develop Fulton's contribution, highlighting the shared vision of empowering communities through creativity and opportunity. "As we seek to close the funding gap, we are not just building facilities; we are building futures filled with dreams and opportunities," he declared.

Plans for RYSE Creative Village extend beyond the creation of the production studio. The development will also include 91 affordable housing units, promoting economic inclusion and providing safe living spaces for community residents. The prospect of alternative educational pathways for creative professionals indicates RYSE's commitment to ongoing learning and skill enhancement.

As Develop Fulton eyes further funding opportunities for RYSE Creative Village in 2025, they encourage the community to 'Rise Up' in support of this initiative, aiming to establish RYSE as a cornerstone of creativity and innovation in both the Southwest Atlanta district and Fulton County at large.

For more details on this pivotal project and its potential impact on the local economy and creative landscape, visit rysecreativevillage.com.

About Develop Fulton

Develop Fulton, also recognized as the Development Authority of Fulton County, plays an instrumental role in delivering targeted economic development financing services. By connecting viable projects with necessary funding and tax incentives, they aim to diversify the tax base, facilitate thoughtful investments, retain existing businesses, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for residents.

Fulton County is recognized for its premier infrastructure and connectivity, making it an attractive destination for business investments and industry collaboration. This commitment fosters an environment where businesses can thrive, contributing to the county’s exceptional economic vitality.