Writers will see both modern and historical art

LINCOLN, NEB. (May 21, 2008)—This fall, The Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division invites writers to immerse themselves in the state’s richly sophisticated arts scene. The Nebraska Arts & Culture Press Tour, to take place Sept. 4-7, 2008, invites media to visit Omaha, Lincoln, Winnebago and Brownville—all communities within eastern Nebraska—and experience firsthand the state’s burgeoning and diverse art community, learn about its artistic past and experience its lively cultural fabric. 

The tour begins the evening of September 4 with a welcome reception at the new Magnolia boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Omaha.  The tour continues with planned visits to Omaha’s Bemis Center for Contemporary Art in the historic Old Market district, Joslyn Art Museum and Durham Museum. Media can look forward to exploring two of Omaha’s revitalized gem neighborhoods, North Downtown (or NODO as it’s come to be known) and Benson, and visiting galleries and other attractions including the famous Saddle Creek Records’ new concert venue, Slowdown, in these burgeoning areas. Along the way, look forward to chatting with local artists, art organizers, Nebraska Arts Council staff and others important to Nebraska’s thriving arts community.

A visit to Nebraska’s capitol city, Lincoln, will include a  tour of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery on the  University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus and the city’s historic Haymarket district, home of monthly “First Friday” art openings.  We’ll visit a handful of openings, take in some fine art and talk with some of Lincoln’s artists before returning to Omaha.

One day will include your choice of a visit to historic Brownville or the Winnebago village on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. Each destination is about one hour outside of Omaha. Brownville is a community that thrives on its artistic heritage, with many of its residents making their living through quaint businesses—most arts related—on the town’s main street. The town earned the designation of “Booktown USA”—one of only four in the U.S. to do so—and though it has only 146 residents, it is home to four bookstores.

Our destination in Winnebago is the Woodland Trails Arts Center, a newly developed destination that includes gallery spaces, artist studios, performance area, and classrooms that are home to numerous educational programs. Started by twenty-something entrepreneur Garan Coons, the space is igniting the development of similar businesses and enterprises in a community once devoid of any arts organization that celebrated its Native American heritage.

For more information on the press tour, or to get your sign-up packet, please email Sarah Baker at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at (402) 326-4896. Application materials are also available at www.VisitNebraska.org in the Press Room section of the site. Application deadline is August 1, 2008.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it