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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oshkosh Receives Full $100,000 Grant to Advance Creative District Vision OSHKOSH, Neb. — The Oshkosh Creative District 77 has received the full $100,000 Nebraska Arts Council Creative District Development Grant, a major investment that will help advance the district’s vision and build on the momentum already underway in Oshkosh. The grant supports continued development of Oshkosh Creative District 77 and reflects the strength of a community that has embraced art, community pride, and collaboration as part of its future. Recently certified as a Nebraska Creative District, Oshkosh has built a growing identity around creativity, public art, and a strong sense of place. Oshkosh has built a Creative District that stands out not only for its visual character, but for the energy and local vision behind it. The district features murals, metal sculptures, mosaics, and barn quilts, with even more public art found throughout Oshkosh and Garden County. Current and planned Creative District efforts include branding, signage, marketing, themed events, and downtown enhancements. Since September 2023, Oshkosh Creative District 77 Committee members leading this effort have included Jo Lynn Blackwell, James Bondegard, Elaine Lake, Kim Martin, Lauren Olson, Tessa Paulsen, Mike Piva, Sue Piva, Myra Ring, Nancy Schaffer, Marlis Shearer, Brittany Waltman, and Karen Westerbuhr. “This is exciting news for Oshkosh and for everyone who has helped shape this vision,” said James Bondegard, City Administrator for the City of Oshkosh. “Oshkosh is becoming a true creative destination in Nebraska, and this funding helps us continue building on the energy, creativity, and community spirit that already make this place stand out.” The grant application was supported by Trusted Community Development, with grant writing led by Brandy Stone, whose work helped bring the district’s vision, strategy, and potential impact into focus. “This award reflects the strength of Oshkosh’s vision and the collaboration behind bringing it to life,” said Brandy Stone, Grant Writer for Trusted Community Development. “It was an honor to help tell the story of a community that has already invested so much in creativity, place, and people.” Community leaders say the funding will help Oshkosh Creative District 77 continue strengthening its identity as a vibrant, welcoming place where art, community pride, and economic vitality intersect. EXCITING NEWS FOR OSHKOSH! We’re proud to announce that Oshkosh Creative District 77 has been officially certified as a Nebraska Creative District! This recognition marks a major milestone in celebrating and supporting the arts, culture, and creative energy in our community. First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the volunteers and committee members whose dedication and hard work have made the Oshkosh Creative District Certification a reality. This achievement reflects countless hours of planning, collaboration, and commitment. Establishing the Creative District has been no small task, and it simply would not have been possible without the passion, creativity, and effort of every individual involved. Thank you for helping shape a vibrant and inspiring future for our community. Oshkosh Creative District 77 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 arts. Oshkosh Creative District 77 encompasses an area from Highway 26 north on Main Street to W Ave H and then west to West 2nd Street, making a figure 7. The designated area is one block on either side of this number 7 with murals, barn quilts, the historic Water Tower, the Story Walk at the city park, metal sculptures, and the two museums. Plans for the district are in the planning stages now that the grant has been approved. Some of the projects currently being looked at include a logo, signage, a scavenger hunt, marketing, themed events and enhancing downtown. More information will be introduced as plans are finalized. 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 placemaking 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. Teliza Rodriguez, a Nebraska Arts Council staff member visited Oshkosh last fall to tour the layout of the Oshkosh Creative District 77. Following her site visit she was amazed at the amount of the public art, the large number of creative and artistic residents and the natural beauty of the area. She commented, “I’m going to tell the rest of my team they really missed out on a great site visit. Your sense of community comes through, and I see great potential in your continued work as a creative district.” The Creative District Committee welcomes you to learn more about the project or to become part of this exciting journey. It presents many opportunities to make a positive impact on the future of our community. To learn more please contact James Bondegard at City Hall (308) 772-3686 or visit the Nebraska Arts Council website at www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/explore/creative-districts/ |
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