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
In July 2022, each organization in the Western Trails Creative District (WTCD) Partnership appointed one or two board members to gather input from their respective members and present their ideas at the initial Creative District meeting. During the development of the Creative District Workbook, the Partnership recognized the importance of broader community engagement and launched an outreach effort to gather public input. To achieve this, a survey was distributed via social media and the KCAD e-newsletter, reaching both the general public and Ogallala’s youth. The survey garnered 65 responses, providing a wealth of creative and insightful ideas. Additionally, direct conversations were held with local business owners to understand their vision for the WTCD following its certification.
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
In July 2022, each organization in the Western Trails Creative District (WTCD) Partnership appointed one or two board members to gather input from their respective members and present their ideas at the initial Creative District meeting. During the development of the Creative District Workbook, the Partnership recognized the importance of broader community engagement and launched an outreach effort to gather public input. To achieve this, a survey was distributed via social media and the KCAD e-newsletter, reaching both the general public and Ogallala’s youth. The survey garnered 65 responses, providing a wealth of creative and insightful ideas. Additionally, direct conversations were held with local business owners to understand their vision for the WTCD following its certification.
Western Trails Sculpture Walk
Click below to learn more!
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 community partners. The partnership includes: Keith County Historical Society
Local creatives are encouraged to attend meetings to offer input. Call KCAD for more information at (308) 284-6623. |
TIMELINE
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CREATIVE DISTRICT MAP & LOGO
WTCD Official Logo
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WTCD Boundary Map
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BENEFITS OF A CREATIVE DISTRICT:
A Creative District can help communities achieve multiple goals including:
A Creative District can help communities achieve multiple goals including:
- 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
- Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts, LTD.
- 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
- Clyde's Sweet Treats & Souvenirs
- Mirror Mirror Hair Studio & Boutique
CREATIVE DISTRICT GALLERY
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.
