In 1981, founders Jun Kaneko, Tony Hepburn, Lorne Falk and Ree Schonlau established the organization as an Artist-In-Industry program called Alternative Worksite, which placed artists at industrial sites. It soon became clear that the gift of time, space and support fulfilled a vital need for artists at the leading edge of their disciplines.Make Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts part of your personalized Omaha itinerary using our Omaha online driving holiday planner.
With the help of public and private partners, renovation began on the vacant Bemis Bag Warehouse in Omaha’s historic Old Market. In honor of its new home, the organization was renamed The Bemis Foundation. The startup Artist-in-Residence program served as a laboratory for artists to research, experiment and take creative risks free from expectation. In 1995, the organization moved into its current headquarters, the 100,000 sq. ft. McCord-Brady wholesale grocery warehouse and became the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
Quickly gaining a reputation as an international leader in the field of artist communities, the Bemis Center began expanding programming to further support artists. The organization created an ambitious Exhibitions Program, developing projects with international artists that focus on site-specific, immersive and socially engaged work. A Community Arts program was designed to ignite civic engagement through the development of significant public art projects, education initiatives and community collaborations. These additions have supported artists' process and catalyzed their work to engage and challenge the public.
The Bemis Center’s Artist-in-Residence program has grown increasingly competitive, with over 1,200 artists applying for 36 residencies each year. In response to this growing demand, in 2009 the Bemis Center launched the Building | Bemis capital campaign. This $2.6 million expansion included the addition of five new live/work studios, a 2,000 sq. ft. multipurpose space, and a loading dock featuring an urban garden. Construction was completed in October 2011 with the renovation of the 9,000 sq. ft. Okada Center for Sculpture and Ceramics.
During the past three decades, nearly 900 artists-in-residence have called the Bemis Center home, participating in global conversations at the forefront of contemporary culture. Today, the Bemis Center remains an artist-centered organization whose sole mission is to support contemporary artists of exceptional talent. That fundamental value is why we perpetually strive to give the institution to artists, empowering them to become vibrant social, cultural and economic transformers.
Source
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts reviews
-
Nice Art Gallery with a great residency programme for artists. Enjoyed visiting the space with a great residency programme for artists. Friendly young lady on reception gave me lots of information..... more
Nice Art Gallery with a great residency programme for artists. Enjoyed visiting the space with a great residency programme for artists. Friendly young lady on reception gave me lots of information..... more »
-
We stopped by the Bemis to see their current exhibits. Admission is free - donations suggested. They offer a terrific incubator for artists in residence throughout the year. They had two exhibits..... more
We stopped by the Bemis to see their current exhibits. Admission is free - donations suggested. They offer a terrific incubator for artists in residence throughout the year. They had two exhibits..... more »
-
Beautiful space and great museum. Can't wait to come back for a music event. Free admission so why not check it out?! It is downtown near a nice sized parking lot and other museums.
-
A perfect place for an artist to work on what they want. Plenty of space, supplies, and support. An old building, but it adds to the "art charm"
Plan your trip to Omaha
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Omaha
Museums in Omaha
Side trips from Omaha
Parks in Omaha
Hidden gems in Omaha
Trips in Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts by other users
60 days in Omaha
BY A USER FROM ETHIOPIA
The Durham Museum
Old Market
Old Market Artists Gallery
60 days in Omaha
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Hot Shops Art Center
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
60 days in Omaha & Marathon
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Omaha
Marathon
40 days in Omaha
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
El Museo Latino
Henry Doorly Zoo
Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
31 days in Omaha, Yellowstone National Park & Fallon
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Omaha
Yellowstone National Park
Fallon
30 days in Nebraska
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Omaha
Lincoln
Kearney