About

Making an Impact: How Creative Pinellas Supports Our Cultural Community

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

We employ art and artists to make Pinellas County a place to live, work, and play

Public art has the power to brighten communities, tell local stories, and create a strong sense of place. Through thoughtful partnerships and creative planning, Creative Pinellas manages a variety of public art programs that support artists, beautify neighborhoods, and make Pinellas County’s cities and streets more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.

CURRENT | CULTURE, our new visitor-specific online magazine, is a traveler’s guide to local culture – launching Oct. 4th.

Current | Culture highlights the unique experiences that make our community a must-visit destination – exactly what data shows cultural visitors, younger audiences, and families are seeking.

We fuel the careers of artists

At Creative Pinellas, we’re committed to helping artists, cultural organizations, and creative programs thrive. Our grants provide essential funding that supports artistic growth, fuels innovation, and increases access to the arts throughout Pinellas County.

We Make Waves: Where Art, Nature & Community Meet

A vacation isn’t just about where you go—it’s about what you discover. And here in Pinellas County, Making Waves will harness the power of art and nature to create something truly unforgettable.

Making Waves, Creative Pinellas’ exciting new pilot program, celebrates the unique spirit of Pinellas County by blending vibrant cultural experiences with our stunning natural surroundings. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler, Making Waves invites you to discover how art and nature together create unforgettable experiences that fuel community vitality and economic opportunity.

Meet The Staff of Creative Pinellas

Allison McCarthy, Curatorial Director

By Creative Pinellas

Allison McCarthy is a curator and exhibition designer with over 20 years of experience in the arts. She most recently served for a decade at The Dalí Museum (2015–2025), where… Read More

Lashonda Curry, Communications Consultant

By Creative Pinellas

Lashonda is an accomplished strategic communications and marketing professional and award-winning storyteller. She has served as communications director at Florida Humanities and manager of communications and public relations for the… Read More

Maggie Duffy, Managing Editor

By Maggie Duffy

As far back as she can remember, Maggie Duffy has been passionate about the arts. Exposure at an early age to museums and galleries in Chicago and Palm Beach stoked… Read More

Margaret Murray, CEO

By Creative Pinellas

Margaret Murray, a native Floridian, has worked in the cultural sector not only in Florida, but in New York City, Amsterdam, and Washington, DC.   ​Murray’s career in the arts began… Read More

Justine Zitman, Office Assistant

By Creative Pinellas

Justine Zitman brings a burst of creativity and energy to Creative Pinellas in her role as Office Assistant. She began working with the organization as a gallery host in 2022… Read More

Todd Wellman, Funding Director

By Creative Pinellas

Wellman loves funding and connecting the creative communities of Pinellas County. He holds degrees, certificates, or certifications from St. Norbert College, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Society for Human Resource Management,… Read More

A crowd gathers in a gallery.

Meet the Creative Pinellas Board

Executive Board Members Board Members… Read More