Historic Dundee Earns Creative District Designation, Expands Investment in the Arts

[Update March 2025] Historic Dundee has long been known as one of Omaha’s most creative and connected neighborhoods. In the summer of 2025, that reputation was formally recognized as the district was named a certified Nebraska Creative District and awarded a $10,000 certification grant from the Nebraska Arts Council. The designation is part of a statewide initiative that uses the arts as a driver for economic development, helping communities tell their stories, support local artists, and create vibrant, walkable places to live and visit.

For Dundee, this recognition reflects something that has been building for years. From independently owned shops and restaurants to local art, film, and live music, creativity has always been woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Creative District designation builds on that foundation, offering new opportunities to elevate the arts while strengthening community connections and supporting local businesses.

“Our vision for the Dundee Creative District is one of inclusivity, collaboration, physical connectivity, and celebration of the arts,” said Eric Kaplan, Dundee Day Executive Director and committee member. “We are excited about the positive impact this initiative will have on our community.” That vision was shaped directly by the community itself. In early 2025, the Dundee Creative District Committee hosted four town hall meetings, welcoming more than 150 residents, business owners, and stakeholders to share ideas and help guide the future of arts in the neighborhood.

As part of the initial certification, funding has supported a range of creative initiatives designed to bring energy and activity to the district. These include Third Saturdays: Music in Dundee, a series that brings local musicians and performers to 50th Street and Underwood Avenue throughout the warmer months, as well as expanded arts education programming and continued investment in public art. Visitors can also experience this creative momentum firsthand at community events like Dundee Day, where interactive, all-ages arts activities continue to grow each year.

Building on that momentum, the Historic Dundee Creative District received an additional $100,000 grant from the Nebraska Arts Council in early 2026. This significant investment will further expand arts programming, public art installations, and creative placemaking efforts across the neighborhood. One of the key projects includes the Dundee Drive Art Stop, a public art initiative designed to strengthen walkability and connection between Dodge Street and Underwood Avenue, encouraging visitors to explore more of what Dundee has to offer.

The funding will also support the continued growth of Dundee Day programming and the expansion of live music and performance opportunities throughout the district. Together, these efforts aim to create more accessible, engaging ways for people to experience art in their everyday lives—whether that’s stumbling upon a live performance, participating in a hands-on activity, or simply enjoying the creative atmosphere while walking through the neighborhood.

This progress is the result of a deeply collaborative effort. The Dundee Creative District Committee includes local business owners, community leaders, and arts advocates who have worked closely with organizations like the Dundee Memorial Park Neighborhood Association, the Dundee Merchants Association, and One Omaha to ensure the district’s growth reflects the needs and vision of the community. City leadership has also recognized the impact of this work, noting its role in strengthening economic development, supporting artists, and enhancing Dundee’s identity as a cultural destination.

As a designated Creative District, Historic Dundee will also be featured in statewide tourism and marketing efforts—bringing new visibility to the neighborhood and the businesses, artists, and experiences that make it unique. It places Dundee alongside other Creative Districts across Nebraska, while continuing to highlight its distinct character rooted in history, creativity, and community.

At its core, this designation isn’t about changing what Dundee is—it’s about investing in what it has always been. A place where creativity thrives, where neighbors collaborate, and where art is part of the everyday experience. With continued support and new opportunities on the horizon, the Historic Dundee Creative District is poised to grow in ways that feel both meaningful and true to the neighborhood’s spirit.

Learn more here.