The Heartbeat District 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.

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.

As part of the approval process, Nebraska Creative Districts must submit a letter of interest, an Eligibility Assessment, and a Strategic Plan. 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.

With the $10,000 certification grant, the Partners Undertaking Local Solutions for Expression (PULSE) will begin exploring options to further the marketing efforts for downtown through the development of a marketing survey and social media plan, as well as the translation of the Creative District Strategic Plan.

“These marketing efforts are only the start to all of the improvements planned for downtown; being certified opens up doors for us for other funding sources that can help make our vision a reality,” said City Planner Ember Batelaan, who coordinated efforts to purse Creative District certification. “These initial efforts tie into the long-term goals of the strategic plan which include developing a marketing plan, encouraging creative projects and events, and enhancing the signage and pedestrian experience of downtown.”

For more information about the Creative District program, please visit the Nebraska Arts Council website here or call the office at 402-595-2122. For more information about the Heartbeat District, please visit the Engage Hastings website here.

The City of Hastings is calling on the Hispanic community to contribute to a SWOT analysis survey designed to gauge the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats within the Hastings’ Heartbeat Creative District. This targeted SWOT outreach is intended to build upon the SWOT analysis, which was conducted in February 2023. Available in both Spanish and English, the survey aims to ensure that the Hispanic population’s perspectives are heard when shaping the future of this vibrant district. Community members are encouraged to participate to help develop a creative environment that genuinely represents Hastings’ diverse population. The survey can be accessed via the following links:

• https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district/survey_tools/english-august-2024-swot-analysis1
• https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district/survey_tools/en-espanol-distritocreativo-swot

Participants have between August 6 and 16 to submit their responses. Additionally, United Way will have copies of the survey available at National Night Out on August 6, 2024, for those who prefer to fill out the survey in person. There will also be a SWOT analysis survey targeted towards youth released August 19th . This survey will also be available on the Hastings College Campus and will be available until August 23rd . Residents are urged to take a few moments to provide their valuable insights. The survey contains five questions, four of which are short answer questions. Your input will have a significant impact on the development of Hastings' Heartbeat Creative District. Thank you for your participation and for helping to build a brighter future for Hastings.

La Ciudad de Hastings está pidiendo a la comunidad hispana que contribuya a una encuesta de análisis FODA diseñada para medir las fortalezas, debilidades, oportunidades y amenazas dentro del Distrito Creativo Heartbeat de Hastings. Esta divulgación FODA dirigida tiene como objetivo basarse en el análisis FODA, que se realizó en febrero de 2023. Disponible tanto en español como en inglés, la encuesta tiene como objetivo garantizar que se escuchen las perspectivas de la población hispana a la hora de dar forma al futuro de este vibrante distrito. Se anima a los miembros de la comunidad a participar para ayudar a desarrollar un entorno creativo que represente genuinamente a la diversa población de Hastings. Se puede acceder a la encuesta a través de los siguientes enlaces:

• https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district/survey_tools/english-august-2024-swot-analysis1
• https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district/survey_tools/en-espanol-distritocreativo-swot

Los participantes tienen entre el 6 y el 16 de agosto para enviar sus respuestas. Además, United Way tendrá copias de la encuesta disponibles en National Night Out el 6 de agosto de 2024, para aquellos que prefieran completar la encuesta en persona. También habrá una encuesta de análisis FODA dirigida a los jóvenes publicada el 19 de agosto. th . Esta encuesta también estará disponible en el campus de Hastings College y estará disponible hasta el 23 de agosto. tercero . Se insta a los residentes a que se tomen unos minutos para brindar sus valiosos conocimientos. La encuesta contiene cinco preguntas, cuatro de las cuales son preguntas de respuesta corta. Su opinión tendrá un impacto significativo en el desarrollo del Distrito Creativo Heartbeat de Hastings. Gracias por su participación y por ayudar a construir un futuro mejor para Hastings.

The First Draft of the Heartbeat Creative District Strategic Plan is available on the City’s informational platform, EngageHastings. This draft covers the Community Information section of the Strategic Plan.

This includes topics such as Hastings’ history, distinctiveness of downtown, name & boundaries, and the future of Hastings. These topics are all required by the Nebraska Arts Council.

The draft is available for public comment until the end of July. Keep an eye on this page for future drafts of the Strategic Plan including topics such as the SWOT Analysis, Key Findings, and Goals & Action steps.

The strategic plan will be part of Hastings’ application to become a Nebraska Arts Council certified creative district. The creative district application is slated for submission in October.

Creative district communities are eligible for grants in the amounts of $10,000 and $250,000 for betterment in the specific area. No matching funds are needed.

Please leave any comments or feedback on this draft below. The draft is available under the Documents section of this page. The comment area will be open until the end of July.

The Heartbeat Creative District Survey saw a strong turnout with 269 responses, including 19 in Spanish.

The survey was available throughout the month of May in digital form through a project on the city’s informational platform EngageHastings, as well as in physical form with paper copies available at 12 locations. There were 222 surveys taken online with the remaining 47 surveys submitted on paper.

Among conclusions from participant responses was the sentiment Hastings could benefit from creating a more vibrant and appealing downtown space that is also functional.

Hardscaping (structures and sidewalks) emerged as the top priority among respondents, indicating a strong desire for improved sidewalks and overall infrastructure. Specifically, there were concerns about the upkeep of sidewalks, particularly on side streets off of Second Street.

Other key priorities identified include cleanliness, outdoor green or recreational spaces, and addressing parking concerns.

Addressing these concerns could involve not only repairing existing sidewalks but also widening them strategically. This increase in width could create space for outdoor seating outside businesses, fostering a more inviting atmosphere.

While these hardscape improvements may not be under the purview of the Creative District project, these concerns could be addressed through collaborative efforts with the ReThink our Streets project and could include efforts such as painted crosswalks.

Respondents expressed a fondness for current events in Hastings such as Celebration of Lights, Downtown Farmer’s Market and Kool-Aid Days.

Continuing to host these events and ensure they fit the needs and desires of the community should be a priority as these events encourage community engagement and increased local and downtown spending. Utilizing these events as an economic driver could be beneficial to the continued growth and development of the community and the downtown area.

Specifically, 44 respondents expressed interest in various concerts, 21 in ethnic pride events, and 12 in craft shows. Developing these new events tailored to resident preferences is crucial for furthering community engagement. Moreover, such initiatives could attract individuals who are less familiar with or infrequent visitors to the downtown area, potentially increasing both local and out-of-town engagement.
Events play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and satisfaction among Hastings residents by providing opportunities for social interaction, cultural enrichment, and leisure activities. They also contribute significantly to boosting local spending, as attendees often patronize local businesses before, during, and after events.

Therefore, leveraging events as an economic catalyst is not only beneficial for the ongoing growth and development of both the community and the downtown area but also crucial for fostering a vibrant local economy. To successfully harness the economic potential of events, it is essential to design and market them effectively to the correct audience.

When asked if they had “any last thoughts or feedback about the Heartbeat Creative District” several people expressed frustration with lack of or ineffective marketing of events. Many residents expressed that they often miss out on events either because they are unaware that they are happening or because they find out about them after the fact.

Addressing this issue could involve establishing a centralized information hub where residents can easily access comprehensive details about upcoming events, thus fostering greater community engagement.

Heartbeat Creative District partners are now finalizing the Creative District strategic plan in October to become a Nebraska Arts Council certified creative district.

Creative district communities are eligible for grants in the amounts of $10,000 and $250,000 for betterment in the specific area. No matching funds are needed.

“This survey was only the first of many ways that respondents can be involved with the Creative District project,“ said Ember Batelaan, City Planner for the City of Hastings. “Keep an eye on the Engage Hastings Creative District page in the upcoming months for drafts of the Strategic Plan, which will be available for public comment, as well as information about an upcoming SWOT Analysis.”

For more information about the project, go to https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district.

The City of Hastings and Business Improvement District have created a survey to gather feedback and measure Hastings citizens’ perceptions of art and cultural events in Downtown Hastings from a diverse audience, focusing on accessibility and representation. The survey is part of the application process to establish the Heartbeat Creative District with a footprint that largely includes downtown Hastings.

To take the survey, or learn more about the Heartbeat Creative District, go to https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district?tool=survey_tool#tool_tab

Physical copies will be available in English and Spanish at the following locations:

• Hastings Public Library, 314 N. Denver Ave.
• City of Hastings Development Services Office, 3505 Yost Ave.
• City of Hastings Administrative Department, Landmark Center, 2727 W. Second St. Suite 424
• Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington Ave.
• Frahm Bar, 647 W. Second St.
• Bryant Books & Music, 625 W. Second St.
• United Way, 301 S. Burlington Ave.
• Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, 301 S. Burlington Ave.
• Calico Cottage/Blu J Scrapbooking/Julie's Xpressions/The Plum Nelly, 743 W. 2nd St.
• First Street Brewing Company, 119 N. St Joseph Ave.
• What the Dickens, 537 W. 2nd St.

“This survey is a tool to help make sure everyone has an opportunity to be heard,” said Ember Batelaan, City Planner for the City of Hastings. “The findings will help complete the third step in the Creative District application process—a strategic plan.”

Creative Districts are designated areas that focus on funding for art and creativity. In Nebraska, creative districts are set by the Nebraska Arts Council. These findings will be used for the development of goals and actions for the strategic plan as well for justification for future decisions and focusing funding areas. The survey aims to gather valuable insights into the impact of downtown's art and cultural events on attendees' experiences and perceptions. It delves into attendees' satisfaction levels, experiences, and suggestions for improvement, aiming to understand how these events contribute to daily life in Hastings.

Additionally, the survey explores the motivations behind visiting downtown, gauges respondents' feelings of welcome, and assesses their awareness of the diverse art offerings within the downtown area. The survey includes around 20 questions, depending on how some questions are answered. The survey will be open throughout the month of May. The open period may be extended if more feedback is needed.

Initial steps in the application process have included an extensive application and site visit. The application included gathering census data and identification of assets in the community as well as proving Hastings’ potential as a Nebraska creative hub. Members of the Partners Undertaking Local Solutions for Expressions (PULSE) team have been deliberately working on this application for over a year with the intent of finishing by October, 2024. The creative district process establishes funding opportunities and support specifically for arts and culture in communities. These grants will support existing art and cultural efforts as well as create new opportunities in the downtown area for all Hastings citizens. Grant funding levels accessible through the creative district process include a $10,000 Creative District Certification Grant and $250,000 Creative District Development Grant, plus civic and community center financing fund made possible through a city application with the Creative District partnership. Funding can be used for new efforts and opportunities for growth. Funding can also help sustain current efforts.

“It’s nice there’s a lot of flexibility with these funds,” Batelaan said.

The program provides a network of certified creative districts across the state. There are currently 29 certified creative districts in Nebraska.

Public involvement will ensure that the strategic plan’s goals and actions are in line with the community’s wants and needs and is intended to capture unheard/minority voices. Joining the PULSE team gives members of the public an opportunity to stay informed, give their opinions on the project, and work on the strategic plan. After certification, the PULSE team will be involved in ensuring the sustainability of the district.

For more information on the current art pieces downtown continue reading below.

Downtown Hastings has various sculptures and murals located on 1st Street, Second Street and Eastside Boulevard. These 13 sculptures were created by local artists and artists throughout Nebraska and the Midwest.

The majority of the downtown sculptures are bronze, which involves a complicated and time consuming casting process. This process consists of the following seven steps:

1. Complete the Original Positive
2. Make a Negative Mold
3. Make a Hollow Wax Replica
4. Engineering for the Bronze Pour
5. Lost Wax Process
6. Color the Bronze

For more detailed information, visit the following link: Clay to Bronze

Sculptures

• American Farmer (Sculpture)American Farmer
  • Artist: Sondra Jonson
  • Year: 2003
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: “The American Farmer,” a three-quarters life-size bronze. It is Jonson’s testament to the strength, sacrifice, and intelligence of the American farmers. Living in rural Nebraska, Jonson has developed a deep respect for these men whose livelihood is at the mercy of the elements, and on whose production rests the foundation of our economy. In “The American Farmer,” Jonson portrays the farmer as a thinker and planner, also a man of action and hardiness, and a man who is unpretentious and generous—in other words, a man of great character. The model for this sculpture was a local farmer. (Source: S.L. Jonson Studios)

• Breath of Life (Sculpture)Breath of Life
  • Artist: Jon Leitner
  • Year: 2002
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Portrait of William Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys (Source: Museum of Nebraska Art)

• Cottonwood (Sculpture)Cottonwood
  
  • Artist: Sally Jurgensmier
  • Year: 2021
  • Medium: Welded Steel
  • Description: Raw steel sculpture of a cottonwood leaf made from salvaged materials from manufacturers' scrap heaps and farmers' discarded piles of metal. (Source: Hastings College Success Stories)

• Dusty Winds & Dainty Lace (Sculpture)Dusty Winds & Dainty Lace
  • Artist: Herb Mignery
  • Year: 2005
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Herb's subjects are often traditional western figures, but also include the more subtle characters of the old and contemporary West: Shepherds, settlers, and school teachers. (Source: Cowboy Artists of America)

• Early Morning Riser (Sculpture)Early Morning Riser
  • Artist: Mads Anderson
  • Year: 2023
  • Medium: Acrylic on Metal
  • Description: Mads Anderson has always been fascinated by life’s inherent dualities: the secure sameness that guides everyday lives despite the underlying reality that anything – and everything – can change in an instant. Through his paintings and sculptures, he seeks to address this duality. (Source: Modern Arts Midtown)

• Flatwater Dance (Sculpture)Flatwater Dance
  • Artist: Jeremy Daniels
  • Year: 2017
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: “Flatwater Dancer” depicts the crane in the act of jumping, a move that Daniels believes is part of a mating dance. (Source: Hastings Tribune)

• Flyin' (Sculpture)Flyin'
  • Artist: Blair Muhlestein
  • Year: 1993
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Muhlestein developed a wide body of work primarily known as “realistic children” in addition to abstract and kinetic art. (Source: Benson Sculpture Garden)

• Heroes on the Homefront (Sculpture)Heroes on the Homefront
  • Artist: Everett Deger II
  • Year: 2011
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Edward Deger II was in the Nebraska National Guard and created sculptures about the war. (Source: Lincoln Journal Star)

• Life's Lessons (Sculpture)Life's Lessons
  • Artist: George Lundeen
  • Year: 2002
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Lundeen holds a bachelor of arts from Hastings College and has been commissioned to sculpt portraits and interpretive works for universities, municipalities, foundations and corporations. (Source: Lundeen Sculpture)

• Peacekeeper (SculpturePeacekeeper)
  • Artist: George Lundeen
  • Year: 2010
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: A young boy keeps peace between the canine and the feline: a pug on his lap, a golden retriever at his back, and a kitten at the opposite end of the bench. (Source: Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence)

• Prairie Odyssey (Sculpture)Prairie Odyssey
  • Artist: Herb Mignery
  • Year: 1992
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Prairie Odyssey by Herb Mignery is the property of the Dutton-Lainson Company. Dutton Lainson Plaza dedicated to the citizens of Hastings by Dutton Lainson Company on the 106th Year of the Founding of the Company. April 24, 1992 (Source: Sculpture Plaque)

• Sports Buddies (Sculpture)Sports Buddies
  • Artist: Victor Issa
  • Year: 2004
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: Issa’s artistic hallmark “Creating Living Bronze” is the embodiment of his life focused spirituality, respect for the human figure, love of life, passion for perfection and undaunted perseverance. (Source: Victor Issa Studios)

• Watchful Eye (Sculpture)Watchful Eye
  • Artist: Stephen LeBlanc
  • Year: 2003
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Description: LeBlanc’s work incorporates form and essences from the natural world. In observing the interplay of form and function found in the natural world, his gola is to create work that draws people to explore this dynamic interplay. (Source: Stephen LeBlanc Studio)

Murals

Working Together toward a People's Art Mural

• Working Together toward a People's Art (Hastings Community Mural)
  • Lead Artist: Dave Loewenstein
  • Year: 2013
  • Description: "The process of designing and creating the mural are tangible examples of the too often forgotten role citizens play in shaping the place they live. We together through this process are reclaiming how the community including its history, current challenges and future aspirations is portrayed and understood. What was for years the unadorned back side of a strip mall, will soon be a collective vision of Hastings ongoing renaissance."
  • Design: The mural begins with two volunteers preparing the wall. One is priming, the other measuring. A shadow of bike rider on the bike path is cast onto the wall from behind them. To their right, giant figures wade into a pile of possibilities comprising Hastings culture and history, that, when sorted out and edited down, will become elements of the mural. The things that these design team members touch / select go from monochrome to full-color indicating their preference. Under the encouraging watch of a mustachioed local celebrity (actually the main figure of a mural in the Kensington) the mural team delves into the history and culture of Hastings sharing their discoveries with each other at the Hastings Museum. On their research table, a collection of seemingly unrelated items interact, including the statue of a Pawnee man, a polar bear, Kool-Aid stand, rattlesnake, Prairie Loft Barn, and Sandhill cranes. Switching over to a scene in front of the yet to be painted wall, young mural designers begin by making drawings on the sidewalk. Two of them invoke fantasies of flight and hopes guided by dandelion seeds, while another contemplates the cycle of water from rain to farm to aquifer. The design for this mural in a mural begins to take shape symbolized by a Hastings brick layer putting the first pieces together. He is joined by design team members who, holding up the unfurling image, share their creation with us. Their creation includes a stylized version of Fisher Fountain surrounded by symbols of local agriculture and architecture. Fireworks light up the sky as the mural design is projected onto the wall Before the illuminated wall, neighbors join the fun playing with shadow puppets in front of a design proposal by Dave Stewart. The final section of the mural, we see Hastings' folks young and old participating in community painting weekend. Cast across the figures of the painters and onto the wall in front of them, the shadow of an old steam locomotive passes silently into history. (Source: Mid-America Mural Project: 2013)
  • Created with the Guidance and assistance of over 300 Hastings residents.

Hastings Mural

• Hastings Mural
  • Artist: Dani Schwinn
  • Year: 2023
  • Description: "Each letter of Hastings is a scene representing parts of the community that make Hastings unique." (Source: Hastings Community Foundation)

• Kool-aid Mural
  • Artist: Unknown
  • Year: 2012
  • Description: The Official Birthplace of Kool-Aid in downtown Hastings depicts colorful graphics in the windows of the old Perkins Kool-Aid Company Building. These graphics depict the history of Kool-Aid Marketing through the years. (Source: Roadside America)

https://www.hastingstribune.com/news/hastings-to-pursue-creative-district-designation/article_b4ee472c-7b33-11ed-8132-ffb2b8009b1a.html