Western Trails Creative District
Keith County Area Development in conjunction with the City of Ogallala and a diverse group of county partner organizations are working to create a designated "Certified Creative District" in Ogallala. Creative Districts work to help communities throughout the state 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.
The Western Trails Creative District partnership was formed in Summer 2022 as a result of community meetings. Community partners represent cultural organizations and individuals interested in seeing that the entire region benefits from the district, which means that community input is sought for an outcome reflecting the values of our residents. Ideas for the district currently center around a walkable area and tying the existing Historic District to the Downtown Business District. We are looking into providing spaces for public art as well as gathering spaces for music and creative activities on a regular basis. The district will use existing assets in the community and also seek to revitalize historic buildings in the area.
The Western Trails Creative District partnership was formed in Summer 2022 as a result of community meetings. Community partners represent cultural organizations and individuals interested in seeing that the entire region benefits from the district, which means that community input is sought for an outcome reflecting the values of our residents. Ideas for the district currently center around a walkable area and tying the existing Historic District to the Downtown Business District. We are looking into providing spaces for public art as well as gathering spaces for music and creative activities on a regular basis. The district will use existing assets in the community and also seek to revitalize historic buildings in the area.
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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PROCESS
SURVEY
We want to know your ideas! Please complete this survey by December 15, 2022 to make your voice heard.
To complete the survey click here.
We want to know your ideas! Please complete this survey by December 15, 2022 to make your voice heard.
To complete the survey click here.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Districts will be selected for certification based on the strength with which they demonstrate the following:
Districts will be selected for certification based on the strength with which they demonstrate the following:
- Clearly defined, qualified, strong leadership
- Clearly defined mission and driving vision for the district
- Quality, diversity, and commitment of key participating partners from civic, business and arts communities Demonstrated by economic workforce development plans to bolster the creative economy for the region.
- Authentic community engagement from diverse stakeholders- Evidenced by letters of support from creative entrepreneurs, investment and/or other related economic development activities.
- A thorough inventory of the cultural assets in the community and demonstrated understanding of the role of each in a Creative District Including local arts, culture and tourist activities as well as preservation or promotion of cultural or historical heritage and architecture
- Thorough study and understanding of the district’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats Including opportunities around maker spaces and/or affordable housing for artists and creatives
- Recognized impact of the Creative District designation and evaluation plan Economic development data that demonstrates the current or project growth of the arts sector in the region.
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 ASSETS
click to see creative assets in the community
- Sketch & Stitch
- Bittersweet Bakery
- 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
- Wild Embers Apothecary
- Cal’s Boot & Shoe
- Cornhusker Glass
- Something Borrowed
- Keith County News
- KOGA Radio
- MaKenzi's Boutique
- Tin Cactus
- Chief Sign Company
- Nebraska Printworks
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.
