Kearney’s ‘The Bricks’ becomes Nebraska Creative District

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - Four years ago, the opportunity for cities and towns in Nebraska to have a Creative District came about. Kearney’s “The Bricks” is now one of 32 certified Creative Districts in Nebraska, including becoming the eighth in central Nebraska. In 2022, art brought $3.6 billion into Nebraska’s economy.

The city will receive a $10,000 grant to start enhancing art in Kearney. Kearney Cultural Partners led the charge and is comprise of 24 organizations dedicated to bringing an assortment of art to the area. Art can be in the form of murals, sculptures, food and performing arts. One of the members said the area is one of his top choices.

“Downtown Kearney just seem like the perfect first fit, with the renovations of the Museum of Nebraska Arts, with the World Theater, with Merryman Performing Arts Center, the library and then you have all of these wonderfully creative businesses,” said Kearney Cultural Partners member, Steve Barth.

Barth said downtown pulls all form of art together. He said Buffalo County also conducted an impact survey to see how much a Creative District boost the economy.

“For every dollar that’s spent on the arts in our community generates another ten dollars into the community,” said Barth. “So when somebody comes to Kearney and they go to a theater they’re probably going to go shopping, they’re going to go to a restaurant, they’re going to have the gas and go to a gas station here, stay at a hotel, and all of that means economic impact for our community.”

Barth said with all things considered, it was easy to how beneficial a creative district will be. Art is something that can be subjective or tell a story. It can also create an environment.

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