HISTORIC DUNDEE IS RECOGNIZED AS AN OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED NEBRASKA CREATIVE DISTRICT
Historic Dundee 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 Historic Dundee Creative District will work to foster creativity, promote walkability, and enhance Dundee's legacy as a vibrant hub for artistic expression. In celebration of the designation, there will be a free interactive arts activity for all ages offered at the annual Dundee Day Street Festival on Saturday, August 23rd.
“Our vision for the Dundee Creative District Arts is one of inclusivity, collaboration, physical connectivity and celebration of the arts. We are excited about the positive impact this initiative will have on our community,” said Eric Kaplan, Committee Member and Dundee Day Executive Director.
“As a historical and creative neighborhood, we believe that our community is well-suited to embrace the Creative District program and further enhance our artistic offerings and local community connectivity,” said Kaplan.
The committee held four Town Hall Meetings in early 2025 for community input and discussion of creative arts in Dundee. Over 150 individuals attended the four two-hour sessions at Film Streams Theater.
The Historic Dundee Creative District will use the grant funding in several ways:
1. Bring Local Musicians and other creative buskers to 50th & Underwood Ave every 3rd Saturday from July to October 2025.
2. Build Arts Education Programming to Dundee Day 2026
3. Expand Public Art in the district
As a result of the designation, Historic Dundee Creative District will be featured in Nebraska Tourism promotions and marketing initiatives at the local and national level.
The Dundee Creative District Committee (DCDC) volunteers include: Amanda Failla-Tjarks, Albany and Avers, Alex O’Hanlon, OneOmaha, Becky App, eCreamery Ice Cream, Clare Watson Bartolomei, Lola’s, Crystal Hartford, Film Streams, Eric Kaplan, Dundee Day Executive Director, Maggie Wood, Film Streams, Molly Romero, Dundee Memorial Park Neighborhood President, Tim Reeder, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate & Preserve Omaha.
“This leadership team has worked for many months to get input from residents and other stakeholders to help forge a plan to create economically sustainable opportunities for area artists and businesses. Creation of the Historic Dundee Creative District will build on the neighborhood's already-strong energy in several ways. The district will foster new partnerships between businesses and local creatives, improving economic development, community involvement, improving walkability through creative placemaking, and attracting more visitors to Dundee businesses,” said City Councilman Pete Festersen.
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.
Other Nebraska Arts Districts include: Benson, Cathedral & Joslyn Castle District, University Place (Lincoln), Ashland, Fremont, McCook, Columbus, Beatrice, Norfolk, Nebraska City, Scottsbluff
For more information about the Creative District program, please visit the Nebraska Arts Council website at www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/explore/creative-districts/ or call the office at 402-595-2122.
Download the press release here.
