The Fremont Creative District has been awarded $100,000 in grant funds from the Nebraska Arts Council Creative Districts Program. This funding will enhance the district’s ability to foster artistic innovation and cultural tourism in the Fremont area.
The grant will allow the Fremont Creative District to become a Member Community of the Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN) program, supporting a two-year public art walk initiative. This initiative aims to enhance the walkability of the district and provide a self-guided tour for residents and visitors alike.
In conjunction with the art walk, the funding will also support a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote both the sculpture walk and the overall vibrancy of the Fremont Creative District. “This grant will allow us to bring art into our community in a way that inspires, entertains, and educates,” said Angie Olson, District Administrator for the Fremont Creative District. “We want to create a destination that not only beautifies our district but also attracts visitors and strengthens our community.”
SWAN is a collaborative effort among several Nebraska communities, including Norfolk, Grand Island, Columbus, North Platte, Valentine, and Ogallala, aimed at creating a revolving art experience in walkable districts. The program seeks to provide attractions that will benefit both residents and visitors.
The Fremont Creative District plans to launch the sculpture walk in coordination with the completion of the amphitheater project in John C. Fremont Park. According to Nick Hansen, Parks and Recreation Director, this project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026.
“Our next step is to reach out to the Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska. We collaborated with them during our grant application process, but this program also requires a separate application,” said Molly Paden, a member of the Creative Council committee that oversees the Fremont Creative District.
Creative Districts are designated cultural and economic areas aimed at increasing innovation and uniting communities through the arts. With over 30 certified Creative Districts across Nebraska, the program is designed to leverage the arts as an economic driver and elevate the value of cultural initiatives in local communities.
The Development Grant program, which provided this funding, is designed to support significant cultural tourism projects. Grant funds can be utilized for construction, marketing, operational support, physical enhancements, planning, and arts programming. For more information about the Fremont Creative District visit: https://fremontne.gov/977/Fremont-Creative-District. Information about the Nebraska Creative District Program can be found at: https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/explore/creative-districts/
