The Bay/Civic Nebraska
Creative Zone 3
thebay.org/skateforchangewebbackground/
civicnebraska.org/
The Bay is a home for misfits in Lincoln— a safe place to go, people who care, and something to do. A 501c3 nonprofit, The Bay was founded in 2010 by Mike Smith and on Dec. 31, 2017 became a program of Rabble Mill through a merger with Hear Nebraska. Its programs aim to help young people dream bigger.
The Bay’s professional staff applies innovation and constant evolution to best practices, building authentic relationships and programs dedicated to most-effectively engaging youth — particularly those marginalized due to income or other socioeconomic factors. Open till midnight on weekends and 10 p.m weekdays, The Bay offers a safe place when young people really need it.
In a 20,000-square-foot warehouse in Lincoln, Nebraska’s Clinton Neighborhood (2005 Y St.), The Bay features the state’s only public, indoor skatepark, a digital art/media lab, an all-ages performance venue, community meeting spaces, and an emergency pantry, and Goldenrod Cafe.
Everyone has a story to tell, and The Bay is partnering with Civic Nebraska to help tell them. This spring, the CommUNITY Lincoln Student Photo & Film Festival will highlight and showcase students’ voices and provide a creative outlet to tell these stories. Together with The Bay, Civic Nebraska is empowering and connecting our youth with a new opportunity.
Film is a powerful tool that brings people together and allows unique stories to be told and bridges cultural gaps. During the past year, we’ve seen our community and the world around us change dramatically. The pandemic, social and economic unrest, and the fight for racial equality have had profound effects on students – they have had to spend much of their time away from their friends and peers, resulting in a lack of meaningful ways to express themselves.
The CommUNITY Film Festival is open to all Lincoln students grades 6 through 12; we can even help provide training and equipment for those who might need it. Student winners will be awarded scholarships that they can use for their future education or purchase their own filmmaking equipment and gear.
At the end of the school year, we’ll celebrate our students’ creativity – selected films and photos will be exhibited at a drive-in screening the evening of April 24 at The Bay, 2005 Y St. in Lincoln. It’s free and open to everyone!
