AUBURN -  Auburn Chamber of Commerce Director Leslie Clark says Nebraska’s newest creative district is anchored by the Honeybees in the Heartland public art project and is setting out to foster opportunities and friendships.

Clark: “We’re thrilled. We’re over the moon with that certified designation.”

Auburn showed that the arts are in its DNA with the statewide chambers’ 2024 event of the year, the Summer Sounds Concert Series, the plein air paint out and the Honeybees in the Heartland Public Art project. Now the designation as a creative district will open new pathways for tourism.

Clark: “We had the different elements, right? I mean we had the plein air events, we have the Summer Sounds events, we do have artists, we have temporary murals, but I think this is a little more concentrated effort, maybe a little more organized effort.

“With the creative district designation, one that helps us market our community even more to visitors and to say ‘you need to come and enjoy Auburn. It is a place of opportunity and friendship.”

Clark described the arts and culture as the crowning point of city infrastructure for residents and visitors.

Clark: “When they come into the community, I mean, they are not necessarily coming to see your roads. Again, they appreciate driving on them, right? Love a good, smooth road, but it is those cultural things and the honeybees being a 2020 passport stop proved that.”

 

Honeybees in the Heartland was inspired by an Auburn elementary class that petitioned the government in 1975 to name the honeybee as the Nebraska state insect. She said the creative district is inspired by action steps that come to fruition and has set out goals in its strategic plan through 2029.

She said the goals include inside and outside murals with the honeybees theme.

Clark: “Because then again, what do we know about honeybees? They work together. They do things for the good of the hive. It’s not for any one person and that’s really what we want people to know about Auburn. Yes, we’re individuals and we’re all doing the work that we need to do, but we’re doing it for the good of the hive.”

 

The district also has plans for cohesive marketing, art classes, a commercial kitchen and signature events.

 

https://rivercountry.newschannelnebraska.com/story/40850515/honeybees-in-the-heartland-unveils-26-sculptures-in-auburn

 

https://rivercountry.newschannelnebraska.com/story/51608816/summer-sounds-named-event-of-the-year

Artwork of Marvin Davison on display at Auburn Memorial Library