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The World Theatre on The Bricks in downtown Kearney, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)

KEARNEY — Kearney: The Bricks was recently named a certified Nebraska Creative District and was awarded a $10,000 Nebraska Arts Council Certification Grant.

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.

The Kearney Cultural Partners (a consortium of 24 organizations, dedicated to bringing a rich assortment of art, music, dance, theater, film, history, literature, and family fun to Kearney residents and visitors) have empowered a Steering Committee led by downtown Kearney business leaders: Patrick Moore -Principal Architect- Good Life Architecture and Community Redevelopment Authority Board member, Brenda Jensen- Kearney City Manager, Kelsey Anderson Downtown Coordinator, Kyle Sayler- owner Sayler Screen Printing and singer/songwriter Kyle Sayler Band, and Kari Printz- owner Central Mercantile and K-town Cakery (Chair of the Downtown Improvement Board).

This Committee will implement a plan to infuse arts and cultural experiences into new and established downtown promotions. Current events that embrace the vibrant, unique retailers, businesses and restaurants located in the District include “Taste of Downtown” (showcasing restaurants and bars), the Annual Cruise Week summertime festival (presenting nearly 500 automobiles in a Downtown event), and a magical family favorite a Downtown Christmas Walk (featuring live reindeers, s’mores with the Fire Department and Santa’s Cottage).

Additional funds will be allocated to arts/cultural organizations located within the District to promote The Bricks Creative District. Core organizations are the Museum of Nebraska Art, The World Theatre, Kearney Public Library, Crane River Theater Company and The Merryman Performing Arts Center.

Specific projects may include District signage, video content, social media campaigns and cross-promotion with restaurants in The District.

In 2020, the Nebraska State legislature passed a bill to create the Creative Districts program. The program works to promote and support economic development and place making opportunities in communities dedicated to growing their arts-related
economic sectors.

Nebraska Creative Districts must submit a letter of interest, an Eligibility Assessment, and a Strategic Plan as part of the approval process. Goals can include attracting artists and creative enterprises, encouraging business and job development, establishing the district as a tourist destination, preserving and reusing historic buildings, and promoting the district’s cultural and historical heritage