Kearney Named One of the Top 100 Arts-Vibrant Communities in the US

Kearney, Neb. — Kearney has been named one of the Top 100 most arts-vibrant communities in the United States in the 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index, released by SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research at Southern Methodist University.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Arts Vibrancy Index and the first time the list has expanded from 40 to 100 communities nationwide, recognizing the top 10 percent of arts-vibrant communities across the country. Kearney ranked #87 overall and is the only Nebraska community to earn a spot on the list.

“Nebraskans for the Arts was thrilled to see Kearney recognized among the Top 100 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2025, a distinction that reflects the city’s deep commitment to creativity, culture, and community engagement. The strength of Kearney’s visual and performing arts sector not only enriches the quality of life but also plays a vital role in driving tourism, workforce attraction, and sustained economic growth in the region.” - Lance Nielsen, Executive Director of Nebraskans for the Arts

Nebraska ranked #29 nationally in the 2025 state arts vibrancy rankings, but Kearney emerged as the state’s sole representative in the national Top 100, highlighting its role as a key arts and culture
community statewide.

Nationally, Kearney appears alongside well-known arts destinations such as Santa Fe, New Mexico; Jackson, Wyoming; and Nantucket, Massachusetts, as well as major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles—proving that arts vibrancy isn’t about population size, but participation and support.

“Kearney truly is the cultural heartbeat of Nebraska. It is an honor working alongside so many talented artists and creatives every day. This recognition affirms that we live in an incredible community that supports and values the arts with their attendance, donations, and volunteerism. We could not do what we do without the help of everyone around us.” - Steve Barth, Executive Director of Crane River Theater

The Arts Vibrancy Index uses publicly available data to measure arts activity, participation, and support in communities across the U.S., adjusting for population and cost of living to create fair comparisons between places of all sizes.

SMU DataArts is the National Center for Arts Research at Southern Methodist University, providing datadriven insights to help communities strengthen and sustain arts and culture nationwide. To explore the full 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index, visit culturaldata.org/arts-vibrancy-2025/top-100-communities/.

For more information, please contact: Bobbi Dickerson, Marketing Coordinator, Visit Kearney
308-237-3269, or [email protected]