Benson Creative District
Benson is now an official Creative District! With this designation, we hope to attract and retain creatives in the community and continue the creative spirit that keeps Benson “Good Weird.” Visit the official BCD website below!
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Our mission is to advance creativity and the economic vitality in the historic Benson community.
Vision
Our vision is to elevate artists, amplify Benson’s creative spirit, and serve as a hub for creative enterprise and expression in the Midwest.
Our Values
Creativity. Art is Everywhere
We value the arts in all aspects of our lives; beyond visual, and immersed into schools, businesses, community spaces, outdoors, parks, streets, alleys, etc.
Equity. All Are Welcome
We value diversity, inclusion, and differing ideas from all residents, stakeholders, and visitors.
Community. We’re Human
We value helping each other, learning from each other and providing a safe and sustainable atmosphere for all.
Collaboration. We’re “Tight Knit”
We value our supportive community and seek collaborative partnerships among all Benson residents and visitors.
Originality. We’re Original
We value grassroots ideals and hold space for all creatives to innovate freely.
Meet the new BCD Director, Annie Butler!
Annie Butler is the director of the newly State designated Benson Creative District. Having served on the board for BFF Omaha (formerly Benson First Friday) since it’s inception in 2012, she has strong ties to both the arts and the Benson community at large. In her previous role as BFF’s Advocacy chair, she utilized the arts and BFF’s platform to advocate for various social causes. Some of her curated projects include the “Call to Action Phone-Booth,” a temporary public art piece designed to encourage advocacy and communication between citizens and government, and “Voices of Choice”, a project in collaboration with Nebraskans for Abortion Access where artworks by 10 local artists were displayed on billboards across the state. With a background in Sociology, she brings a unique perspective and human approach to place-based economic development. An expert in qualitative research methods, she’s able to focus on individual and collective experiences. By combining those experiences with the arts and culture, she aims to create a blueprint for inclusive community driven development.
Want More Information?
Check out our FAQ’s and Strategic Plan below!
BCD Project & Program Proposals: Submissions OPEN!
Proposals accepted NOW through October 25th!
Project and Program Proposals that support the BCD's mission of Advancing Creativity and the Economic Vitality in Benson are now being accepted. All stakeholders (businesses, organizations, residents, artists, groups, etc) are encouraged to submit a proposal!
Want to get involved? Have an idea? Take the online input survey!
Please take this survey! Two minutes tops!
Monthly Committee Meetings
Get involved with the Benson Creative District by joining a working committee! Whatever your interests are, there's a committee for you :) Attend the next monthly committee meeting to learn more about getting involved!
Next Committee Meeting Date:
October 25th 5:30-6:30pm @ the Benson Library
Next Community Forum Date:
MARCH 2024 TBD 5:30-6:30pm @ the Benson Library
Next Community Forum Date:
MARCH 2024 TBD 5:30-6:30pm @ the Benson Library
Can't attend the Forum?
No worries - voice your input via the ongoing community input survey!
At the Intersection of Community and Creativity:
Booklist provided by the Omaha Public Library, Benson Branch
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.
