GKSOM’S Cheek becomes youngest appointed to Nebraska Arts Council

calendar icon25 Nov 2020    user iconBy Brian G Reetz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music Trombone Performance Major Zachary Cheek has officially been appointed to the Nebraska Arts Council board. At 20 years old, he is the youngest member in the history of the organization.

“Well, I've developed a passion for the arts over the past few years, and I wanted to get involved in the Arts Council to help offer my support to artists across the state,” Cheek said.

He’s been trying to find different ways to use his experiences to support the arts.

“Last summer I decided to take a leap and apply for an appointment by the governor to the NAC,” he said. “I'm fascinated by the idea of working in an organization whose sole purpose is to promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for all Nebraskans.”

Having experience as both a young musician and someone with knowledge of government., Cheek is hope he can contribute to that.

“I'm looking forward to learning more about arts in Nebraska and how the NAC can continue to support them. In times like these, I believe we need to be doing all we can to help out.”

The mission of the Nebraska Arts Council is to promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for the people of Nebraska. In doing so, the Nebraska Arts Council provides grants and services to artists, organizations and communities that:

• Build creative and proactive leadership in the arts
• Forge partnerships that create and expand opportunities for the arts
• Cultivate new resources needed to sustain the arts in Nebraska
• Establish the arts as basic to education and lifelong learning
• Use the arts as a catalyst for understanding among cultures
• Advocate for increased awareness and access to the arts

The Nebraska Arts Council in its present form was established in 1974 by an act of the Nebraska Legislature. It is governed by a board of 15 Nebraska citizens appointed by the Governor of Nebraska, and managed by 10 staff members. The Nebraska Arts Council is funded by the State of Nebraska, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, which is a unique partnership among the State of Nebraska and private contributors.