Iron Horse Arts District Builds on Art After Dark Success with New 2026 Initiatives

February 11, 2026

Date: February 9, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director
Iron Horse Arts District
(308) 248-0001 | director@ironhorsedistrict.org

HOLDREGE, Neb. — The Iron Horse Arts District is building on the momentum of its recent Art After Dark event by launching several new initiatives designed to deepen community engagement with the arts, support artists, and strengthen downtown Holdrege as a cultural destination.

Art After Dark welcomed nearly 200 attendees to the Holdrege City Auditorium for an evening celebrating local art, music, and creativity. The event featured live music by the Flatwater Little Big Band of Kearney, a live painting experience with Jeremy Hansen of Bertrand, dinner from HA Catering, drinks by The Drive, and a lively atmosphere that showcased the growing role of arts and culture in the community. The roaring ‘20s vibe was skillfully envisioned by Jaimee Anderson, a member of the Iron Horse Arts District’s Board of Directors and Director of Operations at the Holdrege Sun Theater and Event Center. Several of the District’s upcoming initiatives were first shared with attendees during the event.

“Art After Dark wasn’t just an event — it was a moment where you could feel the energy in the room,” said Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director of the Iron Horse Arts District. “Nearly 200 people came together to celebrate creativity, community, and the kind of vibrant atmosphere that reminds us what’s possible when arts and culture are centered downtown.”

Building on that energy, the Iron Horse Arts District is introducing several new programs and opportunities for 2026:

Arts Supporter Plan
The newly launched Arts Supporter Plan outlines ways individuals and businesses can support Iron Horse programming throughout the year. The plan includes general operating support and project-specific opportunities tied to events, exhibitions, and public art initiatives, helping ensure long-term sustainability for arts programming in Holdrege. Learn more at the Iron Horse website at ironhorsedistrict.org/support.

Artists’ Bureau
The Iron Horse Artists’ Bureau is a new initiative designed to connect local and regional artists with opportunities in the community. Participating artists will be listed on the District’s website, creating a centralized resource for businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking artists for commissions, displays, or creative projects. Learn more at ironhorsedistrict.org/artist-bureau/join and see current members at ironhorsedistrict.org/artist-bureau.

Call for Walls: 2027 Mural Project
The District has opened its Call for Walls as part of a planned 2027 mural project. Downtown property owners are invited to submit exterior walls for consideration as future mural sites. Selected murals will be developed in collaboration with artists and property owners, adding permanent public art to Holdrege’s streetscape. Learn more about the 2027 Mural Project and Call for Walls at ironhorsedistrict.org/projects/call-for-walls-2027-mural-project.

2026 Artisan Expo
The Artisan Expo will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in downtown Holdrege. Formerly part of the Iron Horse Arts Festival, the Expo will now stand alone as a full-day celebration of artists, makers, demonstrations, food vendors, and creative experiences. A call for artisan vendors is now open. Learn more about the 2026 Artisan Expo at ironhorsedistrict.org/2026-artisan-expo.

“These initiatives reflect what we heard from our community — a desire for more opportunities to experience the arts, support artists, and gather in creative spaces,” Ehrenberg said. “Art After Dark showed us what’s possible, and we’re excited to keep building from here.” While no official date has been set, the District plans to bring Art After Dark back as an annual celebration for arts supporters.

For more information on this and other Iron Horse Arts District programming, visit www.ironhorsedistrict.org or follow @ironhorsedistrict37 on Facebook and Instagram, and @ironhorsedist37 on Twitter/X.