The Nebraska Arts Council recently awarded the 2025 Development Grants for Nebraska Creative Districts. The grants are available to all certified Creative Districts and are made possible through an appropriation from the State of Nebraska.
The purpose of the Development Grant is to provide funds to the Creative Districts of Nebraska for projects that focus on significant cultural tourism and economic development. Projects supported by the funds must demonstrate the potential to draw visitors, create jobs, attract or retain young people, and revitalize Nebraska communities.
Applications for the nearly $1 million in grants came from 24 Creative Districts across the state. With the available funds, the Arts Council was able to fund 10 Development Grants to the following Creative Districts:
Alliance Creative District (Alliance): $100,000
Columbus Creative District (Columbus): $100,000
Fremont Creative District (Fremont): $100,000
Heart City Creative District (Valentine): $100,000
Iron Horse Arts District (Holdrege): $100,000
McCook Creative District (McCook): $100,000
Open Frontier Creative District (Chadron): $100,000
Sidney Creative District (Sidney): $100,000
Western Trails Creative District (Ogallala): $100,000
York Creative District (York): $95,630
Some of the projects made possible by this grant program include the renovation of the Heart City Theater in Valentine, a mural festival at Carhenge in Alliance, improvements to outdoor performances spaces in Holdrege, and the creation of a movable stage that will be shared between Sidney and Potter. The projects planned will have a significant impact on their districts in terms of job growth and tourism development.
“We’re excited to support the Creative Districts and see the economic growth these projects will bring to their communities,” reports Rachel Morgan, Program Specialist at the Nebraska Arts Council.
The Nebraska Creative District Program was created through legislation in 2020 to utilize the arts as an economic driver to support communities in Nebraska by telling their stories and elevating the value of the arts. Creative Districts are designated cultural and economic areas where innovation flourishes and neighborhoods come together in the name of art. They provide significant economic impact by creating purposeful spaces like art galleries, theatres, and music venues.