Grant supports Auburn Creative District
Call to artists expected for 13 new honeybee sculptures
AUBURN – The Nebraska Arts Council has awarded Auburn a $100,000 grant to strengthen the city’s creative district and create new experiences.
Creative District Director Leslie Clark said the grant keeps the momentum going in Auburn.
Clark: “It supports new public art, strengthens the Honeybee Festival and creates more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience what makes our community special."
A creative district press release says the grant supports 13 new honeybee sculptures to help create a sculpture walk.
A public call to artists for honeybee sculptures is expected.
A new sculpture to honor local veterans and programming for the honeybee festival are planned.
Here is the creative district's press release
Auburn Creative District Awarded $100,000 Nebraska Arts Council Grant
AUBURN, Neb. — The Auburn Creative District has been awarded a $100,000 Creative District Development Grant from the Nebraska Arts Council to support arts, culture, and creative experiences in the community over the next two years.
This grant did not require a match, meaning the full award will come directly to Auburn, and no city funds or local tax dollars are required. The funding is available only to Certified Creative Districts and supports arts, culture, placemaking, and new experiences that strengthen communities.
The funding will support three initiatives designed to celebrate Auburn’s identity, strengthen the Creative District, and create new experiences for residents and visitors.
Sculpture WalkThe grant will support the addition of 13 new honeybee sculptures within the Creative District, expanding Auburn’s growing collection of bee-themed public art.
Together, the sculptures will create a “Sculpture Walk,” inviting people to explore the district while discovering unique artist-designed bees throughout the community.
A public “Call to Artists” will be announced for the honeybee sculptures, inviting artists to submit creative designs that reflect Auburn’s character, creativity, and sense of place.
Auburn’s connection to the honeybee runs deeper than many people realize.
In 1973, Mrs. Louise Howe and her third-grade class at Calvert Elementary launched the effort that ultimately led to the honeybee being named Nebraska’s state insect, a story that continues to inspire Auburn’s growing creative identity today.
New Sculpture Honoring Veterans
The grant will also support a commissioned sculpture by a Nebraska sculptor that will proudly honor local veterans and continue Auburn’s tradition of recognizing those who have served.
Honeybee Festival Enhancements Funding will also support the Honeybee Festival over the next two years.
Enhancements will allow organizers to expand programming so residents can enjoy the festival even more while also welcoming visitors to Auburn.
The festival brings together music, art, educational experiences, and family-friendly activities while celebrating the important role pollinators play in agriculture and everyday life.
Strengthening Auburn’s Creative District
The Nebraska Arts Council’s Creative District Development Grant program supports communities that are using arts and culture to strengthen local economies, encourage tourism, and build community pride.
Auburn’s Creative District was designated in 2024 and represents a partnership among the City of Auburn, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Grow Auburn, and Nemaha Valley Museum.
“This grant allows us to keep building on the momentum we’re seeing in Auburn,” said Leslie Clark, Director of the Auburn Creative District. “It supports new public art, strengthens our Honeybee Festival, and creates more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience what makes our community special.”
Planning for the projects supported by this grant will begin in the coming months, with updates shared as the initiatives move forward.