Unique state endowment backing arts and humanities programs on chopping block

By: Paul Hammel

Outlets: Nebraska Examiner

Published: February 2, 2026

Words: 1,540

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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LINCOLN — Since it was renovated and reopened in 1997, the 729-seat Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff has served as a cultural beacon in the state’s Panhandle.

The 79-year-old Art Deco theater hosts Grammy-winning musicians, classic movies and films nominated for Academy Awards, as well as local theater performances and weddings.

Thanks to a little-known state endowment fund, the Midwest also has been able to send visiting artists into local schools, bring in an interactive Beatles …

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