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How Lukas Partners Generated Buzz for MONA’s Renovation & Expansion

by | Last updated Nov 18, 2025

Panel discussion at a Museum of Nebraska Art event with speakers seated in front of an audience.

Home » Blog » How Lukas Partners Generated Buzz for MONA’s Renovation & Expansion

Client Overview

Client overview and results for Museum of Nebraska Art's groundbreaking event

The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney is home to over 5,000 pieces created by artists connected to Nebraska. In addition to its collection, MONA celebrates Nebraska’s unique artistic heritage through scholarly exhibitions, educational programming and community outreach through touring exhibitions across the state.

The Challenge

Lukas Partners needed to host a groundbreaking event for MONA in the middle of winter, when the dirt could be too hard to shovel or covered in snow.

The Big Idea

Move the groundbreaking ceremony inside and add dirt to the stage so the event can continue no matter the weather.

Our Approach

Lukas Partners planned and executed two indoor events for MONA—a morning event for the media and VIP guests, and an afternoon event for the public.

For the morning groundbreaking and unveiling ceremony, Lukas Partners coordinated everything—from helping design and set up the event space to developing key messaging. Our team created and distributed a save-the-date and media alert to generate interest, and drafted scripts for guest speakers including Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, State Senator John Lowe of Kearney and Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse. We also helped design the stage layout, complete with a trough of dirt for the symbolic groundbreaking moment.

The afternoon public open house built on that momentum. Lukas Partners coordinated the event schedule, wrote scripts for the Q&A panel and supported MONA Executive Director Nicole Herden as she welcomed guests and introduced the expansion plan. Guests were able to view renderings and a virtual tour video while enjoying holiday refreshments.

After, Lukas Partners sent thank-you notes to speakers and distributed a post-event news release with photos to keep the conversation about MONA’s renovation going.

The Results

Case study results for Museum of Nebraska Art's groundbreaking event

Plan Your Brand’s Next Event With Us

Have an upcoming groundbreaking event for your business? Turn to the experts at Lukas Partners for comprehensive PR strategy, event management and dynamic media training. Partner with us today!

Joan Lukas, M.A.

Joan is Vice President of Lukas Partners. After she earned a B.A. degree in journalism from Creighton University and a master's degree in communications from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she spent 15 years at Conagra Foods in corporate communication management while helping to support Conagra Foundation initiatives. She handled corporate communications and donations for Oriental Trading Company. At Creighton University, she led news media relations and supported advancement initiatives.

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