KEITH COUNTY AREA DEVELOPMENT
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CREATIVE DISTRICT

 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
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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!
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DESIGNATION

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
  • Keith County Chamber of Commerce
  • Ogallala Regional Arts Council
  • City of Ogallala

Local creatives are encouraged to attend meetings to offer input. Call KCAD for more information at (308) 284-6623.
TIMELINE​​
  • July 2022- Partnership formed, Letter of Interest (LOI) meeting
  • August 1, 2022- Submitted LOI
  • August 11, 2022- Received "go ahead" from Nebraska Arts Council's (NAC) Rachel Morgan to start working on the Eligibility Assessment aka "The Workbook"
  • August 2022- Monthly meeting with partners and community members 
  • September 2022- Monthly meeting with partners and community members 
  • October 2022- Monthly meeting with partners and community members 
  • November 2022- Monthly meeting with partners and community members
  • December 2022- Final "Workbook" meeting- Finalization
  • January 2023- Submitting Eligibility Assessment to the NAC
  • March 2023- Visit from NAC to Ogallala
  • April 2023- PRE-CERTIFIED!
  • May 2023- Strategic plan submittal
  • July 2023- CERTIFIED!
  • July 2023 - Received $10,00 Creative District Grant
  • August 2024 - Applied for Development Grant
  • February 2025 - Received $50,000 Visitor's Committee Grant
  • April 2025 - Received $100,000 Development Grant
  • May 2025 - Ogallala hosts it's first Western Trails Sculpture Walk and becomes an official SWAN community

CREATIVE DISTRICT MAP & LOGO

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WTCD Official Logo
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WTCD Boundary Map

BENEFITS OF A CREATIVE DISTRICT:
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


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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.​

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Copyright © 2022
(308) 284-6623
10 N. Spruce St. Suite C
Ogallala, NE 69153
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  • Home
  • Sites and Buildings
  • Incentives
    • LB840 - Ogallala
    • Tax Increment Financing
    • Rural Workforce Housing Fund
    • Housing Incentive Growth Fund
    • Revolving Loan Fund
    • State Programs
  • Projects and Programs
    • SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
    • First Impressions
    • Creative District
    • Progressive Business Group
    • EXCEL Tours
  • KEITH COUNTY, NE
    • Attractions
    • Demographics
    • Healthcare
    • Housing
    • Education
    • Government
    • Transportation
    • Communications & Utilities
    • Nebraska: The Good Life
  • KCAD
    • ABOUT KCAD
    • KCAD Leadership
    • Investor Directory
    • Success Stories