Creative District

At the heart of McCook lies a vibrant and inclusive community where creativity flourishes in every corner, making us the creative hot spot for everyone. Here, art, culture, and innovation are not just celebrated but actively nurtured, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and talents to contribute to the dynamic tapestry of our town. Our doors are open to artists, visionaries, and dreamers alike, each finding a place where their ideas can take root and grow.

Whether it’s through collaborative projects, inspiring events, or simply sharing stories under our vast starry skies, McCook offers a space where creativity knows no bounds and everyone is invited to be a part of something truly special. We believe in the power of imagination and the strength of community, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment where all can thrive, creating a legacy that is as diverse as it is enduring.

Inspired by the legacy of Nebraska artist Emery Blagdon and his Healing Machine;  Dine/Navajo painter and storyteller Shonto Begay; and the phenomenal artists of Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, CA, in 2021 the 6th Floor of the historic Keystone building was activated to boost contemporary art and culture in the region and revitalize empty spaces in downtown McCook.  The space was left raw and deconstructed and let art lead the way.  Mathew Hansen, a founder of Flatwater Free Press, visited not long after 6th Floor’s launch and called it “quite possibly the coolest art space in all of Nebraska.”

ArtBank – One beautiful thing inspires another.  In October 2023 a new space was opened, ArtBank, bringing a 17,000 square foot landmark building back into community use.  It houses a permanent collection of contemporary art, including one of the most important bodies of work in Nebraska art history, John Thein’s breathtaking Painted Spirit series on Wounded Knee; decades of work by celebrated Kansas artist Robert Blunk; and many works by Creative Growth’s world-leading artists.

Website:  ArtBank / 6thFloorProject – A permanent collection and rotating exhibitions for local, regional, and visiting artists.

From birds to rolling hills the “Ethereal Plains” mural in the heart of McCook was a vision of the community, created by its people. The design was a result of workshops where people were asked, “What does McCook mean to you? What does this part of the country mean to you?” The consensus was to encompass their own journey in the piece of art and why they decided to make McCook home.

The mural progresses from night with the moonlight, over to the day with the sun coming up. The geese are symbolic of migration because everyone that lives here, at some point or another through their family or themselves, migrated here.
Over 100 people came together to create the mural that represents their hometown.

More information on the symbolism within the mural can be found via the link below.