HASTINGS, Neb. – The City of Hastings is now a certified Nebraska Creative District, and is receiving a $10,000 grant from the state.

On Tuesday, city officials announced that the Heartbeat District in Hastings was named a certified Nebraska Creative District, and was awarded a $10,000 Nebraska Arts Council Certification Grant.

According to a news release, 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.

Creative Districts in Nebraska have been around since 2020, when the Nebraska 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.

The city of Hastings says the Partners Undertaking Local Solutions for Expression (PULSE) group 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. “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.”

More information about the state's Creative District program, can be found on the Nebraska Arts Council website

More information about the Hastings Heartbeat District can be found on the Engage Hastings website.