Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts | Omaha

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha is a dynamic hub for creativity, experimentation, and dialogue, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art while nurturing artists through its renowned residency program. Unlike traditional museums, the Bemis Center focuses on the creation and presentation of new work, making it a vital part of Omaha’s cultural ecosystem and a magnet for artists and audiences interested in innovative practices.

History and Mission
Founded in 1981 in a repurposed historic warehouse in the Old Market District, the Bemis Center was established to support artists and engage the community with contemporary art. Its mission centers on providing residencies, exhibitions, and public programs that encourage experimentation across media, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and digital arts. The center emphasizes both local relevance and international dialogue, hosting artists from around the globe.

Residency Program
At the heart of the Bemis Center is its artist-in-residence program, one of the most respected in the country. Selected artists receive studio space, housing, and resources to develop new work over several months. The residency encourages collaboration, risk-taking, and cross-disciplinary experimentation. Visitors often encounter artists working in their studios during open studio events, giving a rare behind-the-scenes view of the creative process.

Exhibitions and Galleries
The Bemis Center’s exhibition spaces are deliberately flexible, allowing for immersive installations, multimedia works, and experimental performances that might not fit conventional galleries. Past exhibits have ranged from large-scale sculpture and interactive installations to cutting-edge video art, performance pieces, and socially engaged projects. Temporary exhibitions rotate frequently, so repeat visits often reveal entirely new perspectives and creative approaches.

Community Engagement and Education
Bemis actively integrates the Omaha community into its programs. Public lectures, workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects bring art outside the traditional gallery frame, encouraging dialogue and participation. Programs often involve schools, local organizations, and community groups, allowing audiences of all ages to engage with contemporary art in meaningful ways.

Architecture and Atmosphere
Housed in a converted industrial warehouse, the building retains exposed brick, steel beams, and expansive open floors, which provide a raw and adaptable canvas for large installations. Skylights and wide windows bring natural light into the space, creating a balance between industrial heritage and contemporary presentation. The atmosphere is open and inviting, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and interaction.

Location and Surroundings
Situated in the Old Market District, Bemis is part of Omaha’s vibrant arts corridor. Nearby, visitors can explore galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and performance spaces, creating a full cultural outing. Its proximity to other landmarks like Joslyn Art Museum, Gene Leahy Mall, and Heartland of America Park makes it easy to pair a visit to Bemis with other downtown attractions.

Visitor Experience
A visit to the Bemis Center feels intimate yet expansive. Guests can wander between gallery spaces, stumble upon live performances, or watch artists at work in studios. The experience is not just about viewing art-it’s about witnessing creativity in action and engaging with ideas, techniques, and cultural narratives that challenge conventional expectations.

Overall Impression
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a cornerstone of Omaha’s avant-garde scene, offering a platform for artists to experiment and for audiences to experience art in its most immediate and evolving form. Its focus on innovation, engagement, and international dialogue makes it a unique and stimulating destination, where the city’s cultural pulse is both visible and palpable.