Bemis Center Omaha – A Creative Space For Artists And Art Lovers Alike
Tour immersive art installations and attend live sound shows at the Bemis Center in Omaha. Open to the public, free daily, and located in the Old Market.
Jul 15, 2025210 Shares3.3K Views
Origins & Mission
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts was founded in 1981 by artists Jun Kaneko, Tony Hepburn, Lorne Falk, and Ree Schonlau. Their goal was to create a supportive space where artists could take creative risks without restrictions. Since its founding, the Bemis Center has helped artists develop and present new work, offering time, space, and resources. Located in Omaha’s Old Market, it has grown into one of the country’s leading artist-run centers for contemporary art.
Location & Building
The Bemis Center is located at 724 South 12th Streetin the Old Market district of Omaha. It is housed in a renovated brick building that was once the McCord-Brady Warehouse. This historic five-story structure now contains art galleries, administrative offices, artist studios, and public event spaces. The building preserves the industrial feel of the area while supporting a modern, creative atmosphere for artists and visitors.
Artist-in-Residence Program
The heart of the Bemis Center is its internationally recognized Artist-in-Residence program. Each year, it hosts dozens of artists from across the U.S. and around the world. Artists are given private studios that include living and working spaces, complete with kitchens and bathrooms. They also have access to 24/7 studio facilities. Across the street, the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility provides equipment for woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, and large-scale sculpture, allowing artists to experiment with different materials and formats.
Exhibition & Public Programs
The Bemis Center organizes more than 20 exhibitions per year, showcasing work in painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound art, and performance. All exhibitions are free and open to the public. The center also runs the Sound Art + Experimental Music Programthrough a space called LOW END, which features live performances by experimental musicians and sound artists. This program gives the public access to new and unconventional forms of art and sound.
Public Engagement & Education
In addition to exhibitions, the Bemis Center offers public programs that include artist talks, workshops, curator-led tours, and interactive events. These programs give visitors a chance to meet artists, ask questions, and learn more about contemporary art. Tours are open to individuals and groups, and a donation is suggested. These efforts help make the art more accessible and promote dialogue between artists and the local community.
Growth & Facility Expansion
In 1995, the Bemis Center expanded into its current location—the McCord-Brady building—which allowed it to grow its programs. In 2009, it launched the Building | Bemiscampaign to improve and expand the facility. By 2011, five new artist studios, a flexible program space, and an updated loading dock were completed. The Okada facility for sculpture and ceramics also opened during this time. In 2017, a Curator-in-Residenceprogram was added to allow curators to create exhibitions and bring fresh perspectives to the gallery space.
Impact & Recognition
Over the years, more than 1,000 artistshave participated in Bemis Center’s residency programs. It has helped shape the careers of many emerging and established artists while adding to Omaha’s cultural identity. The center is now recognized internationally as one of the most active urban artist residency programs in the world. Through exhibitions, sound projects, and educational events, it continues to support innovation and strengthen Omaha’s role in the global art community.
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