VALENTINE, Neb. -- The arts not only improve quality of life, but also spur economic growth in both big and small communities. That’s what Nebraska lawmakers said when they approved a Creative District program, which provides grants to qualified areas.

Valentine, Nebraska was recently approved to be a creative district, which could encourage more projects like Kylee Hesseltine’s new store.

Hesseltine is transforming a Valentine building from the 1880s into a boutique, office space and events center.

“Communities don’t grow unless the people within them make them grow,” Hesseltine said.

In the 1880s, the building was home to a hardware store, along with the newspaper, the Valentine Republican. It’s projects like this that Valentine Economic Development Director Mark Hagge would like to see more of, especially with areas of town now designated a creative district.

“We have a rich cultural tradition as the heart of the Sandhills, including the ranching community and the Native American culture,” Hagge said.

The creative district application process took around six months; it involved lots of paperwork, meetings and a site visit. Now that the city has been approved, it’s eligible for more grants towards events and projects that highlight the arts.

“It’s an important amenity that young people, young families, need and want and look for when they’re looking to move into a community,” Hagge said.

That’s the case with the Hesseltines. Kylee recently moved to Valentine with her family. She said community events are essential, and they’re something she would like to be a part of.

“To keep people here and want to stay and be proud of where they’re from,” Hesseltine said.

If you’re curious what other communities in Nebraska are considered creative districts, check out the Nebraska Arts Council website.