The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds that will help certified Creative Districts of Nebraska (CDN) realize the vision and goals of the district’s approved CDN Development Plan. Projects supported by the program will help the CDN attain their goals of economic development and increased tourism through the creative arts of their community. Projects can fall into the following categories:
- Programming: High-quality arts programming that will attract a significant number of visitors to the Creative District.
- Physical Enhancements: Enhancements to the Creative District to make it more accessible, attractive, cohesive-looking, and safe for visitors.
- Marketing: Promotion of the district; this may include the district’s website, branding, and marketing. Can also include improved signage and wayfinding for the district.
- Operational Support: Organizational support for the management and operations of the district (only for designated District Administrator organizations in certified Creative Districts).
Keep the questions below in mind as you begin to plan your project.
- What impact do you hope to have and does the project address community needs:
- Think about your community story or the story/identity your community wants to embody.
- How can you build social capital and diversifying cross-sector networks?
- How do you envision this adding to the vitality of your community and economy?
Below is a list of some examples of how Development Grant funds can be used. If we know the district or organization that was the lead on the project, a link is provided. Please note, not all states Creative District programs have a grant program attached to them. Therefore, this is not an exhaustive list of projects.
$150,000 – $250,000
- Transforming an empty building into an art space or artist studios
- A complete marketing campaign that includes guides and new interactive website
- Improving streetscape standards for pedestrian safety with new sidewalks, lighting, and accessibility compliance
$75,000 – $150,000
- The development and implementation of signage and wayfinding tools that will utilize technology, innovation and public art to attract and direct visitors
- A complete website redesign to streamline content and design and enhance the user experience when planning a visit to the Creative District
- Series of murals that involve the community from the design stage through implementation (see the Public Art Planning in Creative Districts document)
Up to $75,000
- A feasibility study to explore the potential of building a shared performing arts center for community members and visitors
- To support a free, family-friendly music festival of community street bands, featuring both individual and collective performances for participants and audiences
- Professional development for artists by providing studio space, materials, instruction and opportunities to exhibit and sell work
- Hiring a staff person to oversee the implementation and reporting required of the Creative District
- Implement a marketing plan for a community event, including media ads, signage, mailings, etc.
- Contract an artist to develop a community mural project (see the Public Art Planning in Creative Districts document)