Seward is getting creative as it wraps up its final step to become a certified Creative District.
The designation from the Nebraska Arts Council will allow Seward to apply for exclusive funds to bring more art and cultural activities to the community.
The Seward Arts Council and Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership held an open house Sept. 28 to unveil the results of a recent survey that asked participants to prioritize their top art-related desires for the community.
The open house was a time for conversation and feedback – the final piece needed for the Creative District application.
Once designated, Seward will receive $10,000 to put toward the top-ranked projects and then can apply for up to $250,000 to support additional projects on a rolling basis with the other 17 Creative Districts in Nebraska.
It will also have access to the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund, which comes from a tax on major event centers in Lincoln, Omaha and Ralston.
“The taxes collected are sent out to greater Nebraska, but you can only apply for those funds if you’re a creative district,” said Jonathan Jank, president of the SCCDP.
CCCFF dollars could benefit other projects, like the Seward Wellness Center or renovations to the Seward Civic Center.
“There are a number of assets that go along with it, but it’s recognition from the premiere arts group in Nebraska, and it gives us access to funds under their umbrella,” Jank said.
Jeanne Wiemer, president of the Seward Arts Council, said the Creative District process began with open houses in 2022, which generated many of the ideas that were included on the 2023 survey.
The Seward Arts Council and SCCDP will take the top 10 survey results and write them into a strategic plan.
Wiemer said most Creative Districts hire a director to oversee the plan, but volunteers are needed to take those plans and turn them into reality.
“If there’s a project you’re interested in, we ask that you sign up,” Jank said. “It takes people saying, ‘This is a passion of mine. I want to help make the magic happen.’”
Those interested in working on a specific project may contact the SCCDP at (402) 643-4189.
