“Gratitude Powers DC” is a public art and community engagement project—led by the Washington, D.C. Innovation Team (i-team) and the team’s Artist in Residence (AiR) JustRo—that seeks to uncover, through shared reflection and connection around gratitude, the people, places, and things that residents in the District of Columbia value most.
The initiative aims to go beyond traditional data collection, tapping into the power of art to illuminate the everyday elements of city life that most positively impact residents. The effort also complements the i-team’s hiring project—improving District government’s recruitment and hiring—by highlighting the District government employees who help make the District an incredible and rewarding place to live and work.
Gratitude Powers DC has two components:
- Art Installation: JustRo developed a public art installation that will be featured at several DC Public Library branches starting in May 2024.
- Gratitude Survey: The i-team continues to field a gratitude survey, to uncover the people, places, and things that those who live, work, and play in the District are most grateful.
"Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed, it changes attitude, brightens outlook and broadens our perspective." - Germany Kent
Art Installation
The art installation will visualize affirmations of gratitude and provide visitors an opportunity to add their reflections, sentiment and experience of community in the District. The installation will also showcase pre-recorded videos of residents sharing the people, places, and things that they are grateful for.
From May 2024 – September 2024, the art installation will be featured at the following locations:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (May 2024)
- Southwest Neighborhood Library (June 2024) See video of the event.
- West End Neighborhood Library (July 2024) See video of the event
- Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library (August 2024)
- Deanwood Recreation Center (September 2024)
Voices of Gratitude: Unveiling the Heart of DC
Dive into the heartwarming and profound reflections of Washington, D.C.'s residents in our special video, "Voices of Gratitude: Unveiling the Heart of DC." This video features a diverse group of individuals sharing their personal and powerful experiences of gratitude, each telling stories that paint a vivid picture of life in the nation's capital. From gratitude for public spaces and community support to personal tales of overcoming and giving back, these testimonials highlight the unique spirit and resilience of DC's communities. Join us as we explore how gratitude shapes lives, uplifts communities, and reflects the rich tapestry of experiences that define Washington, D.C.
Gratitude Survey
On October 31st, 2023, the i-team launched a gratitude survey to reveal the people, places, and things that those who live, work, and play in the District are most grateful. The survey is organized into four sections:
- Gratitude for People: Who are residents grateful for in the District? Why are they grateful for them?
- Gratitude for Places and Things: Which places and things make DC special?
- Your DC Government Experience: For those who work for District government, what made them decide to join? What is different or unique about working for District government?
- More About You: An opportunity to learn a bit more about those taking the gratitude survey.
The survey is still open—as of February 12th, 190 residents and 94 DC government employees had completed the survey (284 survey respondents overall), making 642 gratitude nominations.
Gratitude Map
You can explore and search the 137 places respondents identified in our gratitude map! We welcome you to visit some of these incredible places to see why our residents are so grateful for them.
