Founded in 1981, by artists for artists, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts facilitates the creation, presentation, and understanding of contemporary art through an international residency program, exhibitions, and educational programs. Located in the historic Old Market, Omaha’s arts and culture district, Bemis Center serves a critical role in the presentation and understanding of contemporary art, bridging the community of Omaha to a global discourse surrounding cultural production today.
Bemis Center’s core mission has always been to provide artists from around the world dedicated time, space, and resources to conduct research and to create new work across conceptual, material, performative, and social practices. The independently driven atmosphere and communal environment encourage creative growth, experimentation, confrontation of challenges, and cultivation of new ideas. To date, more than 1,000 artists have participated in the residency program.
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts launched its Sound Art + Experimental Music Program in May 2019 with generous support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Embedded within Bemis Center’s renowned international Residency Program, this opportunity offers a unique experience for two artists working in sound, composition, voice, and experimental genres and tools. National and international artists participating in the program receive financial, technical, and administrative support, along with dedicated facilities for rehearsing, recording, and performing new works that expand the field of sound art and music. Two selected artists-in-residence will enjoy a generously sized, private live/work studio complete with kitchen and bathroom. Artists may select which 2023 session to attend: January 18–April 14 or May 17–August 11. Awarded U.S.-based artists-in-residence receive a $2,000 USD monthly stipend, a $750 USD travel stipend, a $7,000 USD materials budget, and a $1,600 USD shipping budget to cover the transportation of items or equipment to and from the residency. Due to the limitations of B2 visas (touring/visiting), international artists-in-residence are eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, and meals. Sound Art + Experimental Music artists-in-residence have 24-hour access to Bemis Center’s Sound Studio, a 1,000 square foot shared workspace that includes a variety of instruments, microphones, and software to assist and expand creative processes. Selected residents will also have access to installation and production spaces and the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility. This is an independently-driven, process-based residency in a communal environment, fostering creative growth, experimentation, and supportive exchange. There are no expectations placed on residents to create or perform.
Complete details can be found at bemiscenter.org/apply.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Artists enrolled in an academic program during the time of the residency opportunity are not eligible to apply.
Small collaborative groups are eligible to apply. Please note, if selected, Bemis Center is only able to accommodate two members of a collaborative group to attend the residency and live on-site.
Bemis welcomes international artists to apply. Working knowledge of English is helpful as Bemis Center is unable to offer an interpreter.
Selected U.S.-based artists-in-residence receive a $2,000 USD monthly stipend, a $750 USD travel stipend, a $7,000 USD materials budget, and a $1,600 USD shipping budget to cover the transportation of items or equipment to and from the residency. Due to the limitations of B2 visas (touring/visiting), international artists-in-residence are eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, and meals. Selected artists are responsible for organizing travel to Omaha to attend the residency.
Selected U.S.-based artists-in-residence receive a $2,000 USD monthly stipend, a $750 USD travel stipend, a $7,000 USD materials budget, and a $1,600 USD shipping budget to cover the transportation of items or equipment to and from the residency. Due to the limitations of B2 visas (touring/visiting), international artists-in-residence are eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, and meals. Selected artists are responsible for organizing travel to Omaha to attend the residency.