Heartbeat District certified as Nebraska Creative District

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.