Dunaway Gardens Foundation
Where art and nature meet
Rooted in the visionary legacy of Hetty Jane Dunaway, the female-founded Dunaway Gardens Foundation champions a place where art and nature meet to inspire and strengthen our community. Our mission is to restore and sustain this historic landmark as a dynamic hub for creativity, learning, and connection — a gathering space that uplifts artists, engages audiences, and celebrates the natural beauty that defines Dunaway Gardens. Through thoughtful educational and forward-looking programming, we carry forward Hetty Jane’s original spirit, ensuring Dunaway Gardens remains a beacon of cultural and environmental vitality for generations to come.
Our Programs
UpliftIng the Community
Through innovative arts, nature, and education programs, the Dunaway Gardens Foundation strengthens community engagement and cultivates meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact.
Historic Gardens
The Historic Gardens at Dunaway are a rare natural and cultural treasure — 22 acres of terraced landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil garden rooms that invite exploration and reflection. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gardens offer an immersive experience that celebrates beauty, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Through careful restoration, maintenance and year-round programming, the Dunaway Gardens Foundation ensures this historic landmark continues to inspire visitors, foster education, and serve as a vital gathering place for the community.
Amphitheater
The Amphitheater at Dunaway Gardens is the heart of the property’s artistic legacy — a 700-seat outdoor venue seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. Originally built to host theatrical and musical performances, it now stands renewed as a gathering place for world-class concerts, theatrical productions, dance, speaker series and local artist showcases. Set against the natural beauty of the gardens, the amphitheater offers an inspiring stage that connects performers and audiences in a shared experience of creativity and celebration. Through thoughtful restoration and dynamic programming, the Dunaway Gardens Foundation is reimagining this historic space as a vibrant centerpiece for culture, performance, and community engagement in the region.
Nature Boardwalk
The Nature Boardwalk at Dunaway Gardens will be an elevated pathway winding through more than 70 acres of protected Georgia wetlands — offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary ecosystem up close. The boardwalk will feature scenic overlooks and educational points that highlight the area’s rich biodiversity. Beyond its beauty, the project fulfills a vital need for conservation and community connection, transforming the wetlands into a living classroom that inspires environmental stewardship and preserves this natural treasure for future generations.
Sundance Episodic Labs at Dunaway Gardens
The Sundance Episodic Labs have a new home at Dunaway Gardens, bringing one of the film industry’s most respected creative development programs to Georgia for the first time. In partnership with the Sundance Institute, this immersive residency will support emerging television and streaming writers through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative story development led by industry professionals. Hosted within the inspiring natural and creative setting of Dunaway Gardens, the Labs will nurture new voices whose stories will shape the future of television and media.
Dunaway Gardens Playwright Lab with Philip Himberg
The Playwright Lab at Dunaway Gardens revives the legendary program once housed at the Sundance Institute, where under the leadership of Philip Himberg, countless Tony and Pulitzer Prize award-winning works were developed — plays such as Fun Home, A Strange Loop, and Spring Awakening. Now finding its new home at Dunaway Gardens, the Playwright Lab will bring together celebrated and emerging playwrights, composers, and dramaturgs in a retreat setting designed to spark collaboration and creative excellence. Each session will also include select Georgia-based artists, positioning the state as a vital player on the international stage for new theatrical development. In this inspiring environment, the Playwright Lab continues its legacy of nurturing powerful voices and shaping the future of American theatre.
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
The Debbie Allen Dance Academy at Dunaway Gardens marks the first time this world-renowned institution will expand beyond its Los Angeles home, bringing transformative arts education to Georgia. Founded by acclaimed director, choreographer, and artist Debbie Allen, the Academy uses the power of dance to instill discipline, creativity, and confidence in young people of all backgrounds. Through its partnership with the Dunaway Gardens Foundation, the Academy will offer accessible summer and after-school programs in state-of-the-art studios and performance spaces — cultivating emerging talent, bridging communities, and inspiring the artists and leaders of tomorrow.
Board of Directors
ADVISORY BOARD
Staff Members
Donate Today
Be part of the legacy and support the Dunaway Gardens Foundation’s mission. Together we build a future where art and nature meet, preserving the 108 year old vision of Hetty Jane Dunaway.
For more information about Dunaway Gardens Foundation and its programs, please contact us directly: