Lincoln Clay Arts Center
Transforming an historic landmark into a vibrant home for the clay arts
The Lincoln Clay Arts Center (LCAC), in partnership with the City of Lincoln, is transforming Lincoln's historic Carnegie Library into an active, welcoming center for the clay arts. The project will provide artists of every experience level with space to learn, make, exhibit, and connect—while preserving a civic landmark for future generations to enjoy. LCAC is envisioned as a community-serving creative hub, working in partnership with schools, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, studio artists, and the public. Its programs will center on accessible instruction, shared creative making spaces, artist development, and exhibits that celebrate clay as both a contemporary art form and an essential part of Lincoln's cultural identity.
LCAC has followed a deliberate path from concept to construction. Each milestone has strengthened the foundation for the Center’s long-term success:
- Feasibility Study: Completed by AMS Planning & Research (2025), confirming community demand and financial viability.
- Public Investment: The City of Lincoln provided LCAC $275,000 for building upgrades and equipment. Private Contributions: Early supporters have contributed $30,000, demonstrating initial private confidence.
- Facility Renovations: Building improvements are now underway in partnership with the City of Lincoln. Community Engagement: LCAC continues to collaborate with local stakeholders, artists, and educators as the Center moves toward opening.
LCAC is seeking startup funding that will support facility operations, outreach and program development during its critical first three years. During this period, earned revenue from the studios, classes, memberships, events and gallery activity will grow. As earned revenue develops, LCAC will reduce its reliance on startup philanthropy and build toward long-term financial stability. Because the major building improvements have been funded, philanthropic support can focus on the people, programs and operations needed to launch LCAC successfully. To ensure that LCAC opens its doors with a strong operating and program foundation, a $75,000 fundraising goal based on a Business Plan that projects steady revenue growth over the first three-years of operation at which time the Center's core operations will be fully supported from program revenues and subsequent fundraising focused on expanding services to the community.