Ogallala's Western Trails Creative District Veterans Art Project

The Western Trails Creative District (WTCD) by and through Keith County Area Development (KCAD) is excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Veterans Art Project in the city of Ogallala, Nebraska. Art in public places plays an important role in preserving our culture, conveying the history of our community, and beautifying our community. The main goal of the Veterans Art Project is to support the creation of a timeless sculpture or architectural work to honor Ogallala’s Veterans, to promote the creative expression of the artist and to provide an enriching visual experience for residents and visitors as a quality of place enhancement.  

This project stems from the priorities identified during the Western Trails Creative District’s (WTCD) 2023 strategic planning process, which established five goals based on key findings and priorities identified by the WTCD partnership. The second of these goals focuses on facilitating First Impressions, or “curb appeal,” projects within the district boundaries to create a more attractive and welcoming area for residents and visitors alike. In support of this goal, several projects were completed, including a community paint-by-numbers mural, the addition of green space at the historic Mansion on the Hill and a downtown parking lot, and the development of a Veterans Art Project.
The 2026 Veterans Art Project will be the third completed project resulting from these efforts. It is being pursued thanks to generous funding raised during the 2026​ Keith County Big Give and grants from the Nebraska Arts Council, the Keith County Foundation Fund, the Robert F. Hanich Charitable Trust, the Roy & Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, Keith County Visitors Committee, the Ivy Foundation and the Ogallala Regional Arts Council. 

The full, downloadable project information packet can be found in the “Guidelines & Process” section below.

PROJECT INFORMATION

who is involved
The Western Trails Creative District (WTCD) is administering the Veterans Art Project, with support from Keith County Area Development (KCAD). The project selection committee will include representatives from the WTCD and KCAD, as well as a diverse group of community members with an interest in the project.

Property Owners provide the space for project installation.

​Artists provide the original work installed on the provided space.
Timeline
​● July 2023: WTCD became a Certified Creative District through the Nebraska Arts Council and received a $10,000 Certification Grant. 
● October 2024: Met with Ogallala’s American Legion #165 and VFW Post 3755 to introduce the Veterans Art Project concept. 
● February 2025: Received a $50,000 grant from the Keith County Visitors Committee. 
● April 2025: Received the Nebraska Arts Council’s $100,000 Development Grant. 
● January 2026: BLIXT Arts Lab agrees to interview Ogallala’s local veterans and to develop the creative brief. 
● May 2026: Interviews took place and creative brief was approved by the WTCD Committee. 
● August 2026: Keith County Commissioners approved the use of the Keith County Courthouse for project location.  
● September  18, 2026: Call for Artists opens. 
● November 2026: Call for Artists Closes; Artist Applications due November 11, 2026.
● November 2026: Applications reviewed by Committee (individually, then as a group).
● December 2026: Finalists selected by the Committee, notified, and invited to submit final concepts. Present top picks with the Keith County Commissioners for approval. 
● January 2027: Finalists submit final concepts and complete finalist interviews.
● Mid-January 2027: Artist announced. Planning meeting with the Committee scheduled.
● Installation completed by Artist  by Mid-May 2027.
● Project competition celebration to be scheduled in conjunction with an existing Keith County community event, such as Memorial Day (May), etc.
Property Info
The Veterans Art Project will be located on the grounds of the Keith County Courthouse, 511 N. Spruce St, Ogallala, Nebraska. Specifically at 41.128765614397885, -101.719759077294.  

The project space is located on a rectangular concrete pad that was recently paved in 2025 and is located right outside of Ogallala’s beautiful downtown. The available space for the project is approximately 21ft long by 25ft wide, and the project may reach up to 11 ft tall.  

See the "Guidelines & Process" section for more details and photos of the site.
ARtist Info
  • Applicants without professional experience may apply, but it is recommended to partner with a professional artist.
  • Applicants must provide a budget for the project, and if the project is approved, funding must be in place before work can begin.
  • Proposed projects will be reviewed and approved by the Committee and the Property Owner.
  • Sculptures should be proposed for the site predetermined by the Committee and designated in this packet. 
  • The Artist retains all copyrights to the art and intellectual property used in this project.
  • All projects approved through this process will become the property of KCAD as long as the Sculpture Installation and Maintenance Agreement is in effect.
  • It will be the Artist’s responsibility to make any repairs to the installation site as deemed necessary by the artist.
    • Making arrangements for such repairs is the responsibility of the artist.
    • Costs related to the repairs, if necessary, should be included in your project budget proposal.
  • Final applicants will be interviewed either in person or via video conference prior to project approval.
  • Artists must provide proof of liability insurance prior to beginning installation.
  • Artists should provide a final copyright and usage rights agreement prior to the start of the installation.
  • Artists must sign a Sculpture Installation and Maintenance Agreement if their design is selected. ​
See the "Guidelines & Process" section for more details. 

PROCESS

Creative Brief
 Core Concept: Bridge to Home
A central theme that emerged from community veteran conversations is the idea of a bridge between generations. This concept evolved into Bridge to Home, a powerful metaphor that reflects the veteran experience:
  • One side represents military service and sacrifice.
  • The bridge symbolizes transition, healing, resilience, and growth.
  • The other side represents home, family, community, and belonging.
 
The concept should communicate that Ogallala is a place where veterans are welcomed home, supported, and valued throughout their lives.

Please see attached PDF for the full creative brief: 

CREATIVE BRIEF
Selection Criteria
The approval process for executing/installing projects on public or private property within Keith County is administered by the Western Trails Creative by and through Keith County Area Development’s selection committee, and the Property Owner.

​The sculpture/architectural piece should be a professionally designed, original work of exceptional quality with consideration of the following criteria:
​
  • Work that is of enduring value.
  • Visual imagery that enhances the aesthetic appearance within Keith County and the nature and character of the site.
  • Visual imagery that is appropriate for all audiences (not reflecting partisan politics, or containing sexual or religious content, or commercial advertising).
  • Artwork that is appropriately designed for all viewpoints to the art (by pedestrians, moving vehicles, and seated audiences) determined by the location of the project.
  • Work that is appropriate to the scale of the location and to the site.
  • All installation and technical issues.
Application Process
Artists Applicants (Artist) shall:

  • Complete and submit an Artist Application. Artists may submit more than one application of an original sculpture, whether in concept, illustration, or photo form.
  • Prepare an Artwork Presentation Package as described in the Artwork Submission Process section and submit it by the application deadline (November 11th, 2026).
  • The committee will narrow down Artist Applicants to no more than two (2) Finalists.
  • If selected as a Finalist, the Artist Applicant shall meet with the Committee in person or via video conference interview to discuss the proposed project details, including design, budget, and timeline.
  • If selected as a Finalist, the Artist Applicant shall prepare and submit a more finalized design (to scale) of their proposed project on or before the deadline specified by the Committee. The Finalist(s) will be paid $1,000 upon completion and submission of this finalized design.
  • The committee will select one Artist Applicant from the Finalists.
  • Selected Artist must meet with the Committee in person (or via Zoom) to deliver a finalized conceptual sketch of the artwork to discuss project execution, budget, and timelines at an agreed upon time before the start of installation.
  • This meeting will take place in Keith County, Nebraska, but specific location will be determined.
  • Travel costs for this meeting will be at the Selected Artist expense.
  • The Selected Artist will be awarded the commission, and payments will be arranged accordingly and discussed at the in-person meeting with the Committee.
  • Artist, Property Owner and KCAD representatives will sign the Sculpture Installation and Maintenance Agreement.
Budget
Because the size/scope of the artwork is variable, we understand that the project budget may vary widely. A total of $50,000 has been identified for the purposes of this project. Travel costs, materials, and personal liability insurance should be included in the budget. The Committee may collaborate with the artist to request needed in-kind contributions from local partners, within reason.
Each finalist will be paid a $1,000 stipend upon completion of his/her finalized design proposal.

APPLICATION

Application Requirements
Artist Applicants must submit the following items to KCAD by November 11th, 2026 to be considered for this project:

** Artist Application (Available online or in the guidelines packet)
** Artist Portfolio
** Primitive draft of the concept for the Artwork
** Written narrative
** Project budget
** Drafted Sculpture Installation and Maintenance Agreement

Please see Guidelines & Process below for full details on these requirements. 
Guidelines & Process
Full details on all the project information included on this website may be downloaded here: 

PROJECT GUIDELINES & PROCESS
The selected artist, property owner and KCAD representative must sign the Sculpture Installation & Maintenance Agreement prior to project implementation. It is included here for your reference. 

SCULPTURE INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Submission Instructions
The Artist Application is available online or in the guidelines packet (see Guidelines & Process above).

You may email your Application and supporting materials to:

[email protected]
ATTN: Veterans Art Project

or send by mail to:

Keith County Area Development
ATTN: Veterans Art Project
PO Box 418
Ogallala, NE 69153

​Deadline for applications is November 11th, 2026.
Questions?
​If you have questions, please contact Keith County Area Development at (308) 284-6623 or [email protected].
Copyright © 2022
(308) 284-6623
10 N. Spruce St. Suite C
P.O. Box 418
Ogallala, NE 69153

Contact: 
​[email protected]