Lincoln Arts Council and Lincoln Calling Music Festival Join Forces to Amplify the Power of Art and Music in Lincoln

The Lincoln Arts Council and the Lincoln Calling Music Festival are thrilled to announce their merger, forging a powerful partnership that will shape the future of arts, music and culture in Nebraska's capital. This collaboration will see Lincoln Calling become an annual cornerstone event of Lincoln Arts’ vibrant annual programming. The merger will help create a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape by leveraging the combined resources and expertise of both organizations.

Lincoln Arts, dedicated to serving the arts community and enriching the greater community through the language of art, recognizes the immense potential of music as a means of bringing people together. By incorporating Lincoln Calling into its annual programming, Lincoln Arts solidifies its commitment to fostering artistic expression and creating a positive impact on the community.

"We are incredibly excited about this merger between Lincoln Arts and Lincoln Calling," said Troy Gagner, Lincoln Arts Executive Director. "This partnership enables us to leverage the strengths of both organizations and create a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful arts scene in our city. Together, we will continue to break down barriers, amplify voices, and create a space where the arts flourish, and communities thrive."

Lincoln Arts will continue to honor Lincoln Calling’s mission of advancing music, art, and education through innovative programming and creative community activation. The Festival will remain a celebration of music and art that encourages discovery and imagination, while also serving as a platform for underrepresented communities to be heard.

"We are excited to join Lincoln Arts and work together towards our shared goals of inclusivity and community impact," said Michelle Zlomke, Former President of the Lincoln Calling Board of Directors. "This merger will enable us to expand our reach and continue uplifting diverse voices in the city of Lincoln."

The 20th Anniversary Lincoln Calling Music Festival, now under Lincoln Arts’ stewardship, is scheduled to take place on May 3-4, 2024. This landmark event promises to be a memorable experience that showcases the best of local and national talent, while also fostering connections and inspiring creativity.

In addition to the annual festival, Lincoln Arts and Lincoln Calling have collaborated to present a series of exciting events and showcases throughout the summer. These offerings include:

Lincoln Calling Music Showcase at the Lincoln Arts Festival: Join us on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 6-10pm, and Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 3:30-10pm in the Railyard for a captivating music showcase that highlights the diverse talents of our community. Learn more here: https://www.lnkartsfest.com/lincolncalling.

Lincoln Arts/Lincoln Calling in the Parks: In partnership with Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Lincoln Arts and Lincoln Calling will present a series of musical performances and art activities on Thursday evenings in August, taking place at various parks across the city. Stay tuned for the announcement of performers, arts activities and park locations.

Lincoln Calling End of Summer Bash: Mark your calendars for September 1-2, 2023, as we bid farewell to summer with a spectacular celebration of music and art at Duffy's Tavern/Duffy's Backlot. This two-day event promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees. Stay tuned for the announcement of the lineup.

Through these collaborative efforts, Lincoln Arts and Lincoln Calling aim to foster creativity, promote inclusivity, and make a positive impact on the city of Lincoln. Join us in this exciting journey as we harness the power of art and music to connect, inspire, and uplift our community.

See full announcement release here.