Pictured: Crane River Theater Madagascar
The Nebraska Creative District Program utilizes the arts as an economic driver to support communities in Nebraska by telling their stories and elevating 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.
The program’s flexibility, as designed, means that it can be adapted to any size community, in any location. As an agency, we wanted to make sure this program benefited all Nebraskans, no matter if they were in an urban or rural area.
Specialty license plates, designed by artist Danielle Dewees, are available for only $5 additional cost, with proceeds going directly toward the funding of Creative Districts.
For more information on the Certification Process, please read through our guidelines.
Have questions about NAC’s Creative Districts? Contact NAC Program Specialist Rachel Morgan.
For more information, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Explore the officially certified Creative Districts by clicking here!
Click here to look through the Eligibility Assessment. Please use the Data Collections Instructions to fill out the Data Collection page of the workbook.
Certified Creative Districts are eligible for a Development Grant through the Nebraska Arts Council. The resources listed below are additional funding opportunities that may be of interest to communities. The Nebraska Arts Council does not oversee these programs, please visit them directly for additional information.
The Center for Rural Affairs’ mission is to establish strong rural communities. They offer a variety of resources, including small business training, small business loans, and home ownership loans.
Center for Rural Affairs will choose five farmers markets to receive resources and assistance through a project called 2025 Rural Farmers Markets and Local Food Access. Deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025
Nebraska Department of Economic Develop Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF)
Through this fund, the State of Nebraska awards funding to municipalities and tribal governments to support an array of project types that promote economic opportunity and a higher quality of life.
The Rural Nebraska Historic Preservation grant
The Rural Nebraska Historic Preservation grant program is intended for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, properties in a National Register-listed historic district, or sites determined to be eligible for listing.
USDA Community Facilities Programs
The USDA offers several direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America.
The efforts of the Arts program include facilitating collaborations between artists and local governments, building capacity for small and mid-sized cultural institutions, and increasing and enhancing visitor engagement through the integration of digital technology. Don’t miss their Asphalt Art Initiative, which provides guidance and funding to cities around the world for visual art interventions on roadways, pedestrian spaces, and public infrastructure in an effort to make streets safer.
The Nebraska Film Office Grants are intended to benefit the State of Nebraska through marketing of the state as well as job creation and economic development.
Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) offers many different grants and services for both artists and organizations.
The Mellon Foundation has four main grantmaking areas: Arts and Culture, Higher Learning, Humanities in Place, and Public Knowledge. All grants result from invitations issued by Mellon to institutions that have had preliminary exchanges with staff. However, qualifying organizations are welcome to submit inquiries via the grants portal.
National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America
Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of the arts to groups and communities with rich and dynamic artistic and cultural contributions that are underserved.
National Endowment for the Arts Our Town
Our Town is the NEA’s creative placemaking grants program. This program supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities.
The Peter Kiewit Foundation makes grants in the state of Nebraska and Western Iowa. They have five strategic priorities, which includes College Access and Success, Youth Development, Economic Development and Opportunities, Quality of place Amenities, and Community Capacity in Greater Nebraska.
T-Mobile is investing $25 Million in 500 rural towns over five years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Note that eligible communities must have a population less than 50,000 to be eligible.
Visit Nebraska has two grant programs available to help market your event and community.
Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)
Are you interested in doing a street project, a safety action plan, or infrastructure improvements that enhance access to tourist attractions and recreational areas? The NDOT can help you identify grant funds, write a letter of support, and give technical assistance as you apply for grants. They can help pair you with potential grant funding sources on both the state and federal level.
The following resources can help you plan your Creative District!
For more information on different types of districts, how to develop a district, and research regarding Creative Districts, visit Americans for the Arts.
