Dundee Community seeks designation as Nebraska Creative Arts District for 2025

A team of community volunteers has formed the Dundee Creative District Committee (DCDC) to oversee the grant application process for designation of Dundee as a Creative Arts District by the Nebraska Arts Council. The community-driven initiative is aimed at formalizing and expanding the creative vibrancy of the Dundee neighborhood. As a historically rich and creative neighborhood, we believe that our community is well-suited to embrace the Creative District program and further enhance our artistic offerings and community connectivity.

With roots dating back to 1887, the Dundee neighborhood has evolved into a hub of creativity and innovation, with key landmarks and community efforts dedicated to preserving its rich heritage. The Dundee Creative District, bounded by Dodge Street, Saddle Creek, Hamilton, and Fair Acres, is poised to build upon this legacy and cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem that celebrates local artists, fosters community engagement and promotes walkability.

Our community's strong candidacy for the Creative District program stems from our existing network of creative businesses and artistic talents, poised for formalization and growth. By achieving Creative District Certification, we aim to elevate visibility of local artists, inspire creativity, and forge collaborative partnerships that amplify Dundee's unique charm and cultural offerings.

If awarded the Creative District Certification Planning Grant of $10,000, we intend to utilize the funds as outlined in a strategic plan that includes enhanced arts programming at Dundee Day, Lights on Dundee holiday event, new community events and efforts to increase connectivity between within the district’s boundaries, especially between Underwood and Dodge along 50th Street and the three nearby city parks.  This initiative seeks to expand upon existing arts showcases, interactive experiences, and live performances by incorporating additional art installations, workshops, and public art projects that enrich the community's cultural landscape and support local artists.

In collaboration with the Dundee BID, Dundee Merchants Association, Film Streams, and the Dundee-Memorial Park Association, we are committed to fostering creativity, promoting walkability, and preserving Dundee's legacy as a vibrant hub for artistic expression. Our vision for the Dundee Creative District Arts is one of inclusivity, collaboration, physical connectivity and celebration of the arts. We are excited about the positive impact this initiative will have on our community. 

We look forward to the opportunity to engage with residents, artists and other key stakeholders in realizing the full potential of the Dundee Creative Arts District. Please consider attending the Town Hall Meeting where we will share our vision.  We welcome the chance to discuss further opportunities for collaboration and community enrichment.

 We held four meetings in the spring to meet with community members including neighborhood home owners, renters, business owners, local business employees, and more to hear thoughts, opinions, and insights on four main categories:

1.    Identifying Dundee Strengths & Weaknesses

2.    Developing Dundee’s Assets & Land Use

3.    Dundee’s Workforce & Economic Vibrancy

4.    Dundee’s Culture & Marketing

These meetings were helpful in talking directly with the community. If you were unable to attend, please fill out this survey to let your voice be heard as we enter the next phase of the process.

Goals of the Dundee Creative District:

  • Encourage creative collaboration among Dundee businesses, residents and artistic community

  • Increase and expand community special events

  • Attract local artists and creative initiatives

  • Enhance walkability of Underwood Ave. and Dodge Street and 3 major city parks

  • Promote the district’s cultural and historical heritage

Current Nebraska Arts Districts include:

Benson, Cathedral & Joslyn Castle District, University Place (Lincoln), Ashland, Fremont, McCook, Columbus, Beatrice, Norfolk, Nebraska City, Scottsbluff

Learn more about Nebraska Creative Districts: https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/explore/creative-districts

Questions/Comments:  dundeemerchantsassociation@gmail.com

were’t able to attend the meetings? We’d still love to hear your feedback!

We have created a survey that combines topics from all four of the Town Hall Meetings. We would very much appreciate you completing the survey and sharing it with others interested in the development of Dundee's Creative District. Whether you've attended a meeting or two or have not been able to attend any of the meetings, please share your thoughts in this survey. This is your chance to share your opinion on the future of Dundee, upcoming events, and anything else you’d like to see within the Dundee community.