Western Trails Creative District
Keith County Area Development in partnership with the City of Ogallala, the Ogallala Regional Arts Council, Keith County Historical Society, and the Keith County Chamber of Commerce have received official certification of the Western Trails Creative District (WTCD)! Creative Districts work to help communities throughout Nebraska set goals unique to their community by planning for the future and creating a distinct sense of place with local resources in mind. Being designated can bolster a community's creative economy, enhance vitality, and improve livability. Sequentially, this can support a region's ability to grow jobs and increase educational and creative opportunities for residents and visitors.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Western Trails Creative District's mission is to lead creative activities with all community members to strengthen our diversity and original artistry in Ogallala. We strive to make the Western Trails Creative District attractive to all by advocating our strengths and confronting areas that require artistic beautification.
VISION STATEMENT
The Western Trails Creative District's vision is to honor our community’s historic traditions while fostering the promotion and development of our educational, creative and inclusive future.
OUTREACH
Each organization in the Western Trails Creative District Partnership had one or two board members that collected input from the rest of their prospective members and shared their ideas at the initial Creative District meeting in July 2022. While working on the "Workbook", the Partnership agreed to complete an outreach effort to receive community input. A survey was launched on social media and the KCAD e-newsletter to the public as well as Ogallala’s youth. The survey received 65 responses from community members offering a number of great ideas! Direct conversations with business owners on what they would like to see happen in the WTCD once certification was received.
The Western Trails Creative District's mission is to lead creative activities with all community members to strengthen our diversity and original artistry in Ogallala. We strive to make the Western Trails Creative District attractive to all by advocating our strengths and confronting areas that require artistic beautification.
VISION STATEMENT
The Western Trails Creative District's vision is to honor our community’s historic traditions while fostering the promotion and development of our educational, creative and inclusive future.
OUTREACH
Each organization in the Western Trails Creative District Partnership had one or two board members that collected input from the rest of their prospective members and shared their ideas at the initial Creative District meeting in July 2022. While working on the "Workbook", the Partnership agreed to complete an outreach effort to receive community input. A survey was launched on social media and the KCAD e-newsletter to the public as well as Ogallala’s youth. The survey received 65 responses from community members offering a number of great ideas! Direct conversations with business owners on what they would like to see happen in the WTCD once certification was received.
DESIGNATION
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WHO
The Creative District Program is a program ran by the Nebraska Arts Council, with legislation passed by the Nebraska Legislature that will show the arts as an economic driver, support communities in Nebraska in telling their stories, and elevate the value of the arts. To learn more, click here. Keith County Area Development (KCAD) is acting as District Administrator, with support from the Partners. The partnership includes:
(308) 284-6623 |
TIMELINE
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WHAT A CREATIVE DISTRICT DOES
A Creative District can help communities achieve multiple goals:
A Creative District can help communities achieve multiple goals:
- Attract artists and creative enterprises
- Encourage business and job development
- Establish the district as a tourist destination
- Preserve and reuse historic buildings
- Promote the district’s cultural and historical heritage
CREATIVE & HISTORICAL ASSETS
click to see creative assets in the community
- Bittersweet Bakery
- Art by Breeanna Benton
- Front Street
- Crystal Palace Revue
- Rendezvous Square
- Cowboy Museum
- Mansion on the Hill
- Boot Hill
- Spruce Street Station
- Petrified Wood Art Gallery
- Prairie Theater
- Ogallala Flower Shop
- 5 Star Design
- Prairie Preservations
- Dance Factory
- April’s School of Dance
- Ogallala Bay Rum
- Driftwood
- Second Chapter Brewing Co.
- Ogallala Comfort
- Main Street Meats
- Wolf Landscape
- Mueller's Greenhouse
- Hokes Bookstore
- Cal’s Boot & Shoe
- Cornhusker Glass
- Something Borrowed
- Keith County News
- KOGA Radio
- Eagle Radio
- MaKenzi's Boutique
- Tin Cactus
- Buenz Gifts
- Chief Sign Company
- Nebraska Printworks
- Lake McConaughy
MAP OF CREATIVE DISTRICT
The Creative District Program is a program ran by the Nebraska Arts Council, with legislation passed by the Nebraska Legislature that will show the arts as an economic driver, support communities in Nebraska in telling their stories, and elevate 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, attracting employees and businesses. These are all assets and attributes that Nebraska — and every state — can effectively harness as it seeks to reinvigorate its economy.
