The Nebraska Arts Council is proud to announce the four recipients of the inaugural CreDis Awards during this year’s Creative District Assembly.
The CreDis Awards (pronounced “Cree-Dis) are presented to individuals and Creative Districts that exhibit leadership, innovation, or support for the Creative District Program. The award title combines the two words of the program, Creative District. Serendipitously, in Latin, CreDis can also mean “to believe in, rely on, entrust.”
The following individuals and districts were chosen for this award:
Caleb Fjone- The Flora District in Ashland, NE
Caleb Fjone is the executive director of the Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation. He has been a part of the Creative District program from its inception, helping The Flora District to become the first certified district in the state. His approach to projects is centered in a community driven-way and he is always willing to throw out an idea and see where it takes them. The Flora District in Ashland was the first district to become a certified Creative District in Nebraska and constantly seeks ways to include the arts and creativity in community events. Under Caleb’s leadership, the district has broken ground on a new public art piece and held the first ever Splatter Beats event at Stir-Up Days.
Miranda Becker- Hartington Creative District in Hartington, NE
Miranda Becker is the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Hartington. Miranda has led the Hartington Creative District initiative and has been instrumental in demonstrating that the arts make a community more livable. She has been involved in many innovative projects in her community, including custom made public benches that highlight artwork by local artists. Miranda understands that communities must continually look for every way possible to attract visitors and businesses to their town.
Cassie Ehrenberg- The Iron Horse Arts District in Holdrege, NE
Cassie Ehrenberg is the project manager of the Iron Horse Arts District and has been a part of the district from the beginning. She played a pivotal role in the district’s strategic planning process, while also working to organize events and raise funds. The Iron Horse Arts District, under Cassie’s leadership, is launching the first Iron Horse Festival in Holdrege on Saturday, September 14th. The festival will include an Artisan Expo, Holdrege Sculpture Tour, Museum of Nebraska Arts Pop-Up Museum, and music festival with headliner Logan Mize.
The Roof Creative District in Potter, NE
The Tin Roof Creative District celebrates the history and popularity of the type of roofing used in many of the original structures in the downtown Potter area. The Tin Roof moniker also references the famous ice cream sundae that was invented locally in the 1930s, as well as the original tin tiles that comprise the ceiling of the Potter Sundry building. The Roof Creative District has spent the summer of 2024 participating in a Yarn Bombing Project, which has seen the district slowly become covered in crocheted and knitted installations. The project has not only allowed the district to become a colorful mosaic, but has also brought the community together, allowing experienced artists teach those new to the fiber arts.
The Nebraska Creative District Program is run under the aegis of the Nebraska Arts Council. In 2020, the Nebraska State legislature passed a bill to create the Creative Districts program to promote and support economic development and placemaking opportunities in communities dedicated to growing their arts-related economic sectors. For more information about Nebraska Creative Districts, contact the Arts Council at nac.info@nebraska.gov or (402) 595-2122 or www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov.