The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a respected art center and artist residency in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1981, the center was the brainchild of artists Jun Kaneko, Tony Hepburn, Lorne Falke, and Ree Schonlau. Their shared dream was to curate a sanctuary for artists — a place where creativity flourishes, learning is continuous, and a diverse tapestry of art enthusiasts converge.

The Bemis Center focuses primarily on visual arts, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and sound art. They welcome innovative and experimental artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines for residency. The Bemis Center stands as an inclusive artistic hub. Its esteemed artist-in-residence program has been the catalyst for numerous artworks, establishing it as a landmark for contemporary art in the Midwest.

The artists in the residency are given the freedom and time to deeply explore their craft, experiment, and grow without limitations. They reside in spacious private live/work studios. Each studio has its own kitchen, private bathroom, and essential furnishings. Beyond these comforts, artists can utilize state-of-the-art facilities such as the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility. This ensures they have all the resources for a comprehensive and enriching experience. The Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility is aseparate fabrication space situated across from its primary building. This 9,000 square ft historic bow truss structure houses a woodworking area, metal shop, a ceramics studio, and an expansive area for constructing and documenting large-scale projects.

A standout feature of the Bemis Center is its Sound Art + Experimental Music Program. Launched in 2019 with the generous backing of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this pioneering initiative offers artists a unique platform to span the realms of sound and art, blurring boundaries and redefining conventions. Embedded within the residency program, it provides a specialized experience tailored for artists immersed in sound, composition, voice, and experimental music genres.

Sound Art + Experimental Music Program’s significance is further amplified by the establishment of LOW END, Bemis Center’s dedicated music venue. This artist-designed space, situated in the center’s lower level, includes custom seating, theatrical lighting, an anamorphic perspective stage, and top-tier audio equipment, ensuring an unparalleled auditory experience. From intensive residencies to public performances in this state-of-the-art venue, the Sound Art + Experimental Music Program stands as a testament to Bemis Center’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the auditory arts.

The Bemis experience is also about community. The center fosters a collaborative environment where artists can organically share their work, engage with peers, and network with local and regional art professionals. This sense of community extends to the public, with the Bemis Center hosting many exhibitions showcasing emerging and established artists. These exhibitions, always open and free to the public, serve as a window into contemporary art, challenging perceptions, and igniting conversations.

Education is interwoven into the Bemis Center’s ethos. Through many workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions, the center unravels contemporary art, making it accessible to all, regardless of their background. This educational thrust is complemented by the center’s global initiatives, which draw artists from diverse cultures, adding rich layers of perspective to the Bemis community.

The Bemis Center is located in a 170,000-square-foot McCord-Brady Co building, a historic landmark at 12th and Leavenworth. Initially built for the Nave McCord Mercantile Company and designed in the late 19th century, the building reflects the architectural trends of its time. The area is a vibrant mix of art galleries, eclectic boutiques, and restaurants, making it a cultural hub in the heart of Omaha.