SIDNEY -- Visionaries in the Sidney community are working toward an area defined by its creativity.

"Through the Nebraska Arts Council, they're doing a program called Certified Creative District. We got $10,000 to get things started," said Melissa Norgard.

The Creative District committee plans to use the funds to design a website and put together a video promoting opportunities in Sidney for "creatives." The Creative District is being defined as a downtown corridor from Hickory Street to Jackson Street, and 7th Avenue to 13th Avenue. 

"We did a whole 10-year strategic plan. So, we did a mission, vision, value statement, had to submit that to the Arts Council before we could become certified. So, the creative outdoor space is only one of our goals," Norgard said. 

The $10,000 award also opens the door for the City to apply for a $250,000 grant. 

"So, we're going to utilize that money to create some kind of an outdoor, creative event, venue space that we've always wanted to in Sidney, but unfortunately has never got off the ground," she said. 

In defining the creative district, the plan is to direct people to the district and its attractions. 

"Part of our goal is signage, and we really want some visible signage to let people know they're in downtown, the creative district, also part of the historic district. Those two kind of mash in together. So we're looking for some help in creating a really good logo that will go on top of signs, on streets that will direct people into downtown," said McKailie Conger.

Conger is a member of the Creative District committee.

Logos can be submitted by email to sidneycreativedistrict@gmail.com