The Bricks Creative District in Kearney is honored to be the recipient of a 2026 Nebraska Arts Council Creative District Award, recognizing the creativity, collaboration and community partnerships that continue to shape the district.
The award comes during a particularly exciting year for The Bricks. In 2026, Downtown Kearney hosted the Creative District Assembly and Statewide Arts Conference, welcoming artists, arts organizations and creative leaders from across Nebraska to our community.
Over the past year, The Bricks Creative District has also been involved in a number of creative projects throughout Kearney, including new mural and crosswalk artwork, a community-wide yarn bombing project and the re-dedication of the Nebraska Wind Sculpture by George Baker at the I-80 Westbound Rest Area. The district also partnered with Flatwater Free Press to develop a poster representing The Bricks Creative District.
While these projects are exciting on their own, what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the collaboration behind them.
The Bricks Creative District is supported by a committee made up of community members with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and creative interests. The district also works closely with Kearney Cultural Partners, a group of local organizations dedicated to bringing art, music, dance, theater, film, history and literature to the community throughout the year.
The Nebraska Arts Council recognized The Bricks for this collaborative approach and the longstanding partnerships that help make creative projects possible in Kearney.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Nebraska Arts Council for this recognition,” said Kelsey Anderson, Downtown Coordinator and Creative District Coordinator. “This award really reflects the work of so many people and organizations who continue to invest their time, ideas and energy into making Kearney a creative and vibrant community.”
The Bricks Creative District is grateful to the Nebraska Arts Council, Kearney Cultural Partners, local artists, community organizations, businesses and volunteers who continue to help bring creative ideas to life.
This recognition belongs to the many people who make creativity and collaboration a part of Kearney’s community every day.
To read more about the CreDis award: https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/news/2026-credis-awards-recipients/
