P.U.L.S.E

Bemis08 Creativity Festival: New Directions - Minutes

2008-07-17T15:38:00.000-06:00

15 July 2008

Community: Katie F.S, Timothy Shaffert, Susann Supernant, Brent Crampton, Todd Simon
AIR: Adam Frelin, Janelle Iglesias, Andrea Loefke
Staff: Mark Masuoka, Jennifer Anderson, Holly McAdams, Hesse McGraw, Matt Lowe, Elizabeth Epsen, Rachel Ziegler, David Williams, Joel Damon
Interns: Kelsy Tyler, Jeannie Hall

Elizabeth Epsen: As far as participant collaborations- what makes it interesting or meaningful?

Susann Supernant: People who mean it- who are infected with vision; people who you are inspired by.

Todd Simon: Objective of Creativity Festival was to put the Bemis in the center of the conversation- this was successful on a local level but how, next, do we plug that into the world?

the model was established- how to replicate it?

reach out to individual artists
Ex) speak to each member of the Omaha Symphony instead of the organization as a whole
Commission new work original and specific to the Bemis, something which can only be seen here
Interplay between ALL artists of all natures (Possible model from the Atlantic Center: Bring in master artists who select a team of applicant artists to work with on specific project)

Hesse McGraw: In response to the commission point—the key is to go directly to artists, have no fee for applications (as opposed to how the Atlantic Center works).

create a structure where original artists make original pieces specific to Omaha as an “international object” (Todd Simon)

Adam Frelin: As in the case of Creative Time, the organization who commissioned New York’s falling water structures, on a less expensive scale.

Timothy Shaffert: The benefits to having writers are they write about it! The media is anxious about talking about Omaha.

Holly McAdams: Don’t underestimate the rest of Omaha, i.e. suburbia, in terms of BC collaborations. Do more in terms of outreach to them. The festival can expand, physically, to people here.

Todd: Think about multiple sites for the Creativity Festival.

Hesse: If we build something of international importance, it must be specific to Omaha- brand new.

Brent Crampton: Guerilla Gardening  fly in someone more prominent in this specific movement to enlist people in the community to re-do, maybe landscape, “BC:08” into a grassy knoll to spread awareness into the community.

as with LOOM, promote social progress by mixing racial and social structures
mix opinion leaders from area from different social stand points
BC does well to serve under 21, which can breed more creativity in the long run by helping to formulate and impact the youth

Susann: INCLUSITY is an under 21 group seeking to embrace diversity

Janelle Iglesias: I Regret not being more creatively involved. Give the residents an option to provide works as there is a lot of potential to involve AIR’s in the festival as part of their residency.

Adam: Give AIR’s the option; maybe even expect projects from them for the festival by saying it must be in the studio, or outside. Push AIR participation.

Andrea: Appreciates more the freedom given to residents. The fact that there are no expectations is what characterizes the Bemis Residency Program.

Holly: Have a residency program for festival involvement only.

Todd: Make the festival both inclusive and expansive – the more artists involve, the more people they will bring in as observers.

Hesse: The New Yorker conference, for example, holds interviews between just two people. It is broad but still related and tied to the organization.

Katie F.S.: Challenge the venue, maybe as a promenade i.e. have a 24 hour open mic at 12th and Howard. Create piece you can move with into the Bemis Center.

Brent: I was under the impression that the Creativity Festival would relate more to the Summer Arts Festival. I envisioned the Red Bull double-decker bus would prowl the Summer Arts Festival picking up guests and taking them to the Bemis. Provide a visual element pointing toward the Bemis.

Katie F.S.: Incorporate flash mobs to network or to present the festival (Improv Everywhere).

Susann: How is this part of the larger Omaha movement?

Mark: How do we talk to “them” and how do we make it give more of an impact?

Brent: A common theme for all to work towards is to have a greater outcome or product which helps to unite artists, public.

Does this event have the ability to expand our own abilites?

Ask and You Shall Receive

2007-12-13T13:33:00.000-06:00

Mid x Midwest: Creativity Conference and Festival
June 26-28, 2008

Stay tune for details!

Setting Situations

2007-09-04T22:04:00.000-06:00

Side note: This meeting was held on August 30th at the Bemis Center. Special thanks to Heike Langdon for providing an overview of the meeting.

Several Community leaders are looking at creating a public art project, and so far have identified three key components - it must help keep artists in Omaha, it must include diversity, and it must be "green". One person said "It's about more than Does and O's" - it should have more impact on West Omaha, and also have some element of permanence built in.

They found with the previous projects that a certain amount of "ownership" developed as people bonded to the works. When they were moved, people took it personally, and negatively. We can become so accustomed to something that we take it for granted, and really only appreciate it when it is gone.

This led to a discussion about the intention - is it made to stay? Does it become outdated immediately? If it is made to be permanent, does that mean a year, or longer? Who will handle the maintenance? If the creative act is the exciting part, what is the purpose of the finished object?

For the project to be truly successful, it is also important to develop enthusiasm for the idea, not simply this piece or that one. The creation of an iconic idea rather than an iconic piece. Jazz on the Green was mentioned as an example - it changes every year, but at the same time it is very consistent in many ways, so that people come without knowing exactly who is playing that night, but that it will be enjoyable anyway. How can we involve people in the process, so that they have ownership from the beginning?

The discussion of diversity/inclusivity pointed out exactly why this process can be so difficult. When we say "the arts community", how is that different from the whole community? Once we assign labels to achieve balance and inclusivity, aren't we actually creating separation at the same time? The suggestion was made to create an RFP process that would be collaborative and cross-disciplinary - organizations would apply with the idea they want to express, and the Bemis Center would help them partner with an artists. Someone said what we would be doing is "setting situations for things to happen."

For me personally, the question became which direction does the process flow - from the artist to the community or from the community, through the artist and back again? How can we structure this project so that the artwork created is a true expression of different voices in our community, rather than what we expect to hear?

A community divided...what can we learn from this

2007-08-18T19:09:00.000-06:00

I encourage people to go to the following npr story online about Jena Louisiana about out of control racial tensions between black and white high school students that has split the entire community. I continue to be amazed at the lack of education and ignorance that still plays itself out in our communities no matter a small little Louisiana town or major metropolitan area. Below is the story. My question is how can something like this be resolved and/or healed? Or could it ever? How does a place like Omaha find a way to bring people together for an open dialogue. I want to believe communication is the first step to understanding someone who may seemingly be "different" than you because of any number of things. Lack of communication only breeds lack of awareness and education which leads to misunderstandings and ignorance. Does anyone have any thoughts about this. I challenge others to begin a dialogue in this blog about any of these questions related to community and art. A blog like this can only be successful if people are willing to dialogue and respond to each other about these issues that are truely vital to healthy life of our community.

NPR story link below...you may need to cut and paste. The story about racism among our youth and adults will make you think.
Beating Charges Split La. Town Along Racial Lines
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12353776&sc=emaf

thanks for considering these thoughts
Matt D.

BIG IDEA

2007-08-17T01:04:00.000-06:00

Weekend Summer Arts Festival. How about a Summer Arts Month celebrating creativity!

LETS MIX IT UP!

2007-08-17T00:52:00.000-06:00

I like Latin music. Latin music in South Omaha makes a lot of sense. That's part of the problem. If Omaha is going to be a truly diverse community, maybe we should be mixing it up and bringing people together from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds by cross cultivating some community and creative fields. IMAGINE, indy hip hop to a classical country beat. Just think who might show up to listen to that!

LOCAL MUSICIAN STRIKES A CORD WITH VISITORS AT THE BANCROFT STREET FARMERS MARKET WITH RICH LATINO MUSIC.

2007-08-15T15:45:00.000-06:00

Visitors of the Bancroft Street Farmers Market will be entertained this Sunday by the unmistakable sound of Marcos E. Mora at 10th & Bancroft (2702 South 10th) Omaha, Nebraska.

Marcos E. Mora, is a third generation Chicano, born in Los Angeles and raised in South Omaha. Mora is a member la familia Barrientos, a well known Latino and musical family from South Omaha.

An accomplished Musician, Mora brings his experience and expertise of different genres of music to all those who come to the Bancroft Street Farmers Market this Sunday. Mora will be playing through out the day from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Starting his musical career over 20 years ago, Mora has experience in many genres of music including rock, blues, Latin and Mariachi. He plays the guitar, bass, vihuela, guitarron and various percussion instruments.

Perhaps best known in the Omaha area with his work with the South Omaha Arts Institute where he serves as Executive Director, he is also currently the director of the Mariachi Las Estrellitas, a 17-year old program that teaches mariachi to youth and encourages the preservation of the Mexican culture

Sunday Mora will be demonstrating his passion of electric guitar, playing songs arranged in musical styles including, Santana, Norteno, Cumbia, Flamenco, Latin Jazz, Ballads and much much more.

All are welcome to come and enjoy not only the inspiring music of Marcos E. Mora, but also all of the sights and culture surrounding the Bancroft Street Farmers Market.

Contact: Bill Seidler Jr., (402) 651-2327

Community and the Arts

2007-08-13T10:57:00.000-06:00

The intent of this forum is to bring diverse groups of people together from all over our community to discuss how the arts can be the used as a catalyst for social exchange. Over the past six months we have held numerous small group discussions, which have addressed issues that affect the future development of our cultural community. The conversations are community-wide and scially significant. Each conversation grants the Bemis Center another opportunity to deepen our understanding of our community needs and wants.

The recent serge in the Community Arts movement in America has brought to light the interest and need within our communities to connect the arts and artists with the greater community at-large. No longer do the Arts have to be relegated to traditional art venues such museums and art centers, but integrated into peoples daily experiences. Art is not just for the creatively gifted or a few talented individuals, but in its truest form, it is a point of access for everyone to unleash their inner-creativity and self expression. It is a way to communicate your ideas, experiences and emotions. Art can change lives.

Here are a few questions that can be used as food for thought about the role the arts can play in our community.

1) What role does public art play in making Omaha a more culturally diverse and vibrant city?

2) How can public art bring value to a city and its citizens, socially, economically and environmentally?

3) If you could choose one thing that would make Omaha a more creative city, what would that be?

Look forward to your comments and feedback.

ROUNDHOUSE BAND SET TO BRING THE SOUND OF BLUEGRASS TO THE BANCROFT STREET FARMERS MARKET

2007-08-10T11:40:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2007

In continuation of the Bancroft Street Farmers Market music series, organizers are proud to announce that The Round House Band will be performing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday August 12th 2007 at 10th and Bancroft Street in Omaha.

The music series runs in conjunction with the Bancroft Street Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until October 7th.

The Roundhouse Band is an eclectic mix of bluegrass and old time music players. No stranger to acclaim, the Roundhouse Band demonstrates its love of historical music in its two recordings, First Run and The Old Home Place.

Made up of four musicians, Don Knudsen on the mandolin, Steve Aksamit on the banjo, Duane Miller on the fiddle and Bob Roscoe on the bass, the Roundhouse Band have a way of getting even the shy at heart to tap their toes.

The Round House Band had its beginning about seven years ago through the Great Plains Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association. Since then, Roundhouse has been a mainstay offering up knockout bluegrass and old time music performances whereever they perform.

Those interested in coming to the music series are encouraged to enjoy not only the music, but also the atmosphere that the Bancroft Street Farmers Market provides.

Organizers of the Bancroft Street Farmers Market invite all to come out and enjoy Roundhouse Band

For further questions please contact:
Bill Seidler Jr., (402) 651-2327

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BANCROFT STREET FARMERS MARKET INVITES ALL TO SEE THE SIGNS

2007-06-29T13:01:00.000-06:00

The Bancroft Street Farmers Market Multi-Lingual Banner Series composed of colorful signs in many different languages is on display at the corner of 10th and Bancroft.

With signs and banners in a myriad of different languages, the Bancroft Street Farmers Market (2702 South 10th Street) invites all to come enjoy the beauty of diversity and some good produce Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Running in conjunction with the Bancroft Street Farmers Market, the signs are a welcoming beacon to all people despite what language they call their own.

The signs will be on display every week during the farmers market, and there will be a prize given to whoever can guess the correct language of all the signs.

Organizers of the Bancroft Street Farmers Market invite all to come out and enjoy the signs and the atmosphere of a truly unique world market.

The Bancroft Street Farmers Market Runs every Sunday from now until the 7th of October. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Bill Seidler Jr., (402) 651-2327

IMPACTO NORTEÑO: BRINGING NORTHERN MEXICO’S UNIQUE STYLE OF MUSIC TO OMAHA .

2007-06-28T11:05:00.000-06:00

Visitors of the Bancroft Street Farmers Market will be entertained Sunday, July 8, 2007 by the Northern Mexican sounds of Impacto Norteño a Mexican Norteño style ensemble at 10th & Bancroft (2702 South 10th) Omaha, Nebraska. The group will perform at noon.

Impacto Norteño, a Nebraska based ensemble that plays the sounds of the Mexican Norteño or “Mexican Cowboy.” The ensemble consist of 3-5 players dressed in traditional Norteño (Cowboy) apparel and play the accordion, stand-up bass, banjo sexton and vihuela (a small, deep-bodied rhythm guitar).

Running in conjunction with the Bancroft Street Farmers Market, which successfully began on June 3, 2007 and runs every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until October 7, 2007, Impacto Norteño will be a way for visitors to enjoy the artistic and cultural diversity that Omaha has to offer.

Norteño, a music style originating in the Northern Regions of Mexico and Southern Texas, consisted traditionally of an ensemble playing corridos, polkas and rancheras. Norteño lyrics tend to focus on experiences in Mexico and immigrant communities throughout the U.S.

Impacto Norteño, maintains the rich melodic sound so common to Norteño music, and is the only Norteño ensemble in Nebraska.

HUJOPE DRUM GROUP FROM WINNEBAGO RESERVATION TO PERFORM THEIR UNIQUE STYLE OF MUSIC AT THE BANCROFT STREET FARMERS MARKET.

2007-06-28T10:01:00.000-06:00

Traveling from the Winnebago Reservation in Northeast Nebraska, the Hujope Drum Group, a unique blend of drums and lyrics, will be performing in conjunction with the Bancroft Street Farmers Market (2702 South 10th Street) this Sunday at noon.

The Hujope Drum Group is the latest in a line of performers that have performed weekly at the Bancroft Street Farmers Market, which successfully began on June 3, 2007 and runs every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until October 7, 2007. The Drum group will be a way for visitors to enjoy the rich Native American culture that exists in Nebraska.

Music and history are tightly interwoven in the lyrics of the Hujope Drum Group. History is constantly told and retold through music, which keeps alive an oral narrative of history. Also, songs are still being composed today, to continue a tradition of reverencing heroic deeds or bountiful harvests.

Joe Black, a member of the Drum Group says, “ Songs are still being composed today, some [songs] recite bits and pieces of heroic deeds in battle that are being made for our veterans that are returning from Iraq, and some are social songs like round dance.”

The Hujope Drum Group consists of approximately 8 members on the drum and one lead singer, Melton Frenchman. Members of the group say that the music is what one perceives it to be from spiritual to fun and melodic.

The Hujope Drum Group will be playing this Sunday at noon. Members of the group invite all to come see how the music moves them, and enjoy a cultural treat.

Contact: Bill Seidler Jr., (402) 651-2327

YOUNG PAINTERS MARKING UP MADONNARI STYLE AT THE BANCROFT STREET FARMERS MARKET.

2007-06-27T11:55:00.000-06:00

Local art students will be showcasing their “Madonnari” art talents for visitors at the entrance of the Bancroft Street Farmers Market at 10th & Bancroft (2702 South 10th) Omaha, Nebraska, beginning Sunday June 3, 2007 and continuing every Sunday until October 7, 2007.

The local art students from South Magnet High School, Norris Middle School, Beveridge Magnet School and Bancroft Elementary School, will be in full force with chalk in hand to create their Madonnari masterpieces.

Running in conjunction with the Bancroft Street Farmers Market, which successfully began on June 3, 2007 and runs every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until October 7, 2007, the Madonnari paintings will be a way for visitors to enjoy the artistic ability of local students

Madonnari, or its Italian translation “Street Painters,” is an art form originating in Italy in the 16th century. This beautiful art form transforms streets and sidewalks into beautiful life like works of art depicting anything from a beautiful landscape to a recreation of a masterpiece.

Historically Madonnari painters would paint religious icons as a way to get donations and survive. This painting of religious icons evolved into reproducing masterpieces from artists such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci and other artistic masters. Modern Madonnari painters do not limit themselves to religious pieces or reproductions of the masters. At today’s Street Painting festivals numerous art styles are used and the only limit is the artist’s imagination.

In the 1980’s Madonnari painting gained fame as Kurt Wenner introduced 3-D street painting also known as anamorphic street painting. Wenner’s method utilizes shapes to create 3-D images. His unique technique has garnered a lot of attention and has helped lead to the rebirth of street painting festivals throughout the United States and Europe.

While Madonnari painting has continued to build interest, one thing is for certain, Madonnari art does not last, and vanishes quickly after the festival or first rain storm.

Contact: Bill Seidler Jr., (402) 651-2327

Coming together over tragedy-Life and ARt Compare and Contrast

2007-04-18T12:38:00.000-06:00

As we here about the horrific and tragic events that have unfolded at Virginia Tech, I can't but think about how this relates to our topic of art and social change. From Columbine and 911 to even that wooden cross you might see with flowers on the side of a highway, tragedies have a way of bring people together who might otherwise exist separate from each other. 911 in particular showed how people of all walks of life became united in helping each other through the tragedy. (It also showed the ugliness and ignorance of people who sought revenge against any person of potential middle eastern decent.) As I watched the coverage of the areas around ground zero and visited there a few years ago, I could not help but be amazed at how everyone in a way used their sense of art and creativity to express and deal with their sorrow for what happened in the form of make shift memorials. Why is that it takes a tragedy/traumatic event to bring people together that would not otherwise have anything to do with each other? Is there anything that can be learned from these events that can be applied to art being used as a way to bring people together? Earlier in past entries it was mentioned how artist need to get out there and be more exaggerated and extroverted in public to jar people get them to respond. Unfortunately I think these tragedies do accomplish that. They rattle us all, sober us up, make us realize what is important to us, what needs to be dealt with, better campus security, gun control, better ways of helping find psychiatric for those who need it. These events leave us questioning why and how....we become open to listening to each other and comforting each other....people we have never known nor had any reason to want to know. I wonder if at the core of all of this it seems like feelings and emotions come to the surface. Feelings and emotions are universal...we all suddenly can relate to each other because we universally all have feelings and emotions. So art...some say art is universal....it should be....how can you reach people through the arts in away that heavy events like this do. I know these are extremes but do you think there are some comparisions or lessons to be learn at the heart of events like these tragedies. Ultimately art because the final expression of these tragedies in the form of a permanent memorial. I ask others to think about this and see if they see any relationships.

Studio 360 Features Omaha

2007-04-14T15:43:00.000-06:00

Omaha was recently featured in the New York Times and now during the NPR show Studio 360. Click here to download the Real Audio file or visit www.studio360.org. This segment has an interesting part about the importance of diversity in encouraging and sustaining a creative/vibrant community.

A Child's Perspective Black&White

2007-04-05T22:50:00.000-06:00

I believe this will be a great forum to really probe some possibilities how art in a social context could potential work to create positive social change. Art I believe is a universal medium that everyone no matter who they are, where they come from and what they do can have an experience with it. Art is a medium for begin a hopeful and educational dialogue. I wanted to cut and paste a blog entry by some one relating an experience that happen to their child the other day in Omaha..... Does anyone have some thoughts, responses....how might this relate to the PULSE conversation.....?

April 02, 2007

White Kids Field Trip

So today Taylor went on a field trip to the Hope Center for Kids in Omaha. It is a Christian Inner City Community Center in the "bad" part of Omaha that gives kids a safe place to go after school where they can hang out, get something to eat, create positive relationships and have fun. They are doing a lot of good stuff in Omaha. I understand why the school offered this field trip. Omaha has a history of segregation and they are trying to break down prejudices. It sounds like they tried to make it positive. They went to the rollerskating rink at Hope Center and interacted with the kids there and had fun. I asked Taylor how it went and she said that despite trying to mingle with the other kids, the 2 groups stayed to themselves and that bothered her. She also said that they had a question and answer question session where the white kids of West Omaha talked about what they thought african american kids of North Omaha were like, and then the african american kids said what they thought white people were like. I don't know if that was a good idea or not, I guess it could just reinforce the sterotypes that already exist, but I know their goal was to break them down. So I asked Taylor how it went and she was sad because she could tell that the kids from North Omaha didn't trust her and didn't want to hang out and talk with her despite trying her best to be nice to them. She was also mad because some of her classmates were not nice to the kids that were there. I think she really saw the damage that hate has caused in our society, so for her, it was a good learning experience.

Wakonda's Dream: Radio Interview

2007-04-04T11:48:00.000-06:00

Anthony Davis, whose opera "Wakonda's Dream" opened last month to
great reviews at Opera Omaha, will be a guest on KPBS-FM's "These
Days" program this Wednesday, April 4, between 10:30 and 11 a.m.

Anthony will be joined by his son Jonah, who had a lead role in the opera.

KPBS-FM is at 89.5 on the radio; or you can listen online at
www.kpbs.org (click "LISTEN").

Here's the LA TIMES review of Anthony's opera:

http://www.calendarlive.com/music/cl-et-wakonda13mar13,0,265423.story?coll=cl-music-top-right

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

2007-04-04T08:20:00.000-06:00

The potential "lessons learned" from P.U.L.S.E. ultimately grants us the opportunity to deepening of our understanding of how creative thinking can thrive in advancing social and cultural development through common experiences. How individuals can make a difference by leveraging their unique skills, talents and connections to create larger creative networks. The basical truth is that change happens weather we like it or not, so in order for the arts (cultural creatives) to play a significant role in a the flowing dynamics of our city, we need to invest more our time and focus our energy on our daily conversations that don't just merely justify the relevance of the arts, but intergrates the value of the arts into every creative solution.

We all agree with the adage that "actions speak louder than words". The challenge is how do we effectively channel those actions, in order to take advantge of the wealth of information and experiences that we gain from the individuals. P.U.L.S.E. was formed to encourage, ignite and inspire individuals to take action. What does it take to motivate your neighbor to participate in the discovery process of igniting their creative spark?

So take action...

Invite a friend to a concert, artist presentation (Art Talk, Slide Jam), connect with someone on your lunch break and view an art exhibit, take the first step in engaging people to be part of the cultural evolution of Omaha. PICTURE this, thousands of people consistently showing up to "plug in" into the creative energy of the arts. IMAGINE what the potential leverage generated from that audience is now! This is more than a tipping point, this is a point of ignition.

The future is now, make a difference in someone's life today.

P.U.L.S.E 2

2007-03-31T22:29:00.000-06:00

What does it take to make a difference in your community? This is one of the many topics that we are discussing at P.U.L.S.E. Join us for an on going conversation through out the year and we look forward to your feedback. The answer to the question Is YOU!

The Future Is Now...

2007-03-30T15:19:00.000-06:00

I am so happy that this forum has arrived. We needed it.

But as we discussed at the last meeting, what we need is action.

Words are wonderful when they lead us to creation.

Whether it's a film, a painting, a website or a song, we all need

to remember that emotion that overcomes us, and give it back

to the community. I can't wait for the next meeting!

--David

cocoart.org

Join the Discussion

2007-03-27T14:55:00.000-06:00

If you'd like to take part in this on-line discussion, email info@bemiscenter.org to become a member of the Pulse Omaha Blog.

Second P.U.L.S.E. forum gathered creative minds of Omaha

2007-03-27T14:38:00.000-06:00

This Saturday, March 24th, over twenty Omaha community members gathered at El Museo Latino to discuss how the arts affect each one of us and what steps can be made to ensure the arts are always at the center of every conversation we have.

The following were some hot topics discussed during the forum. . .

How do you define "the arts"?

2007-03-26T14:02:00.001-06:00

How do you define “the arts”? Is it pieces hanging on the wall? Is it an outstanding artchitectural structure? Is it the sounds you hear in the community around you?

Creative Strategy

2007-03-25T14:07:00.000-06:00

One of the ideas at the heart of the P.U.L.S.E. forum is that we hope to put a "creative strategy" together for the city of Omaha. Ultimately, each business and institution (every company from financial to health care) should be able to implement this creative strategy into an existing strategic plan or one that has yet to be created.

Do you think it's possible for businesses and other non-arts institutions to incorporate creativity (inspired by the arts) into their everyday operations and long-term planning? Is this a futile exercise? Do artists really use creativity better than anyone else, and why should they be the authority?

The Creative Process

2007-03-24T14:11:00.000-06:00

One member of the forum suggested that oftentimes the arts are not given the justice or respect they deserve because our audiences don't see the immense work that goes into the creative process that ultimately creates the art (end result) that these audiences enjoy.

Why should our audiences need to see the hard work involved with the process that goes into producing the art? What do we seek to accomplish by allowing them to experience this "behind the scenes" idea? Do we ultimately wish to be praised and validated for the process itself, and to be told that art is a worthwhile endeavor by way of "proving it" to an audience by lifting the curtain?

Universal Cultural Pass

2007-03-23T14:22:00.000-06:00

Another participant suggested the idea of a universal pass for the arts and culture institutions in Omaha. For example, if one has a Joslyn membership, perhaps she could get into El Museo Latino for a reduced rate. This will help encourage the synergy and collaborative spirit discussed throughout the session.

Is this a feasible endeavor? Do you think Omaha audiences would buy into it? Does an Opera fan really care to have a universal pass that gets her into the Joslyn at a reduced rate? Is this casting too wide a net?

Collaboration and Competition

2007-03-23T14:17:00.000-06:00

One member of the forum underscored the importance of all arts organizations supporting one another by way of collaboration and communication. This participant pointed out that while there can and should be competition for things like funding monies, we should ultimately be striving towards an enhanced collaborative spirit, regardless of these seemingly competitive forces that exisit.

Is it really possible to be truly collaborative if we are latently (or even actively) competing for one another's funding monies and audiences?

Individuals make change happen

2007-03-22T14:25:00.000-06:00

The second P.U.L.S.E. forum wrapped up with the statement, "Individuals make things happen, not institutions."

If individuals are the ones who effectively make change, why is it necessary to hold forums such as P.U.L.S.E.? Are we essentially just planning to plan?

Beginning the Conversation: First PULSE January 25th

2007-03-21T15:43:00.000-06:00

The arts: They have the power to influence opinions, change minds and reaffirm beliefs. It doesn't matter whether we're talking about paintings or photographs, ballet or folk dance, theater or symphony. The arts can make us smile, take our breath away and even move us to tears. And the arts have a huge impact on our community by adding vibrancy and creativity to our everyday lives. For all these reasons, it's more important than ever for people from all walks of life to become engaged in the arts. And to help accomplish this, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is pleased to present P.U.L.S.E. - People Uniting to Leverage Social Exchange: A Continuing Cultural Conversation on the Arts. During this forum, participants discuss how the arts impact their lives, both personally and professionally. P.U.L.S.E. is a year-long series of five community forums that are taking place at the Bemis Center, area colleges and universities as well as at Omaha community centers. P.U.L.S.E. discussions explore how arts organizations see Omaha currently, what changes they think would be beneficial and how they envision their role in creating positive change. Each forum draws new voices from across the community, and each one provides an open platform for the general public to discuss relevant issues that pertain to the arts and their impact on social change. The final P.U.L.S.E. forum takes place at the Bemis Center in December 2007 in conjunction with a solo exhibition by Matt Dehaemers, an artist known for raising public awareness about a variety of social issues through his multi-faceted art. P.U.L.S.E. forums are open to community members, cultural and community leaders, artists and art educators, and everyone is invited to attend these free, thought-provoking public discussions.

For more information about P.U.L.S.E. and to become a P.U.L.S.E. participant, please contact Natalie Linstrom, the Bemis Center's Community Arts Program Director, at 402.341.7130 x25 or Natalie@bemiscenter.org.

If art encourages people to act, then why aren't we using it o make a bigger difference in people's lives? How have the Arts impacted or transformed your life?

The Vibrancy of Omaha

2007-03-21T14:36:00.000-06:00

Forum participants also felt that the arts could contribute to the vibrancy of Omaha:

Saw many great cities through traveling the world and always wondered why Omaha didn't look like those places. Decided to take action on this feeling by buying a building at 10th and Brancroft and integrating the natural communities that surround that building - trying to make it a community center of sorts. There seems to be no connectedness between the local arts organizations, no critical mass. The arts community isn't engaging with the business community. The arts community has to communicate to the business community that the arts bring in people who bring in money.
We need to calculate the impact that the arts have had on downtown Omaha and our city and have all of those numbers. Need more than background numbers - how much and how quickly.
In 1974 there was nothing in Omaha except the Joslyn. That's when he arrived and started visiting architects to be a part of the arts conversation going on around town. In 1975, they met at Francis Craft's house to discuss starting something. Artists were just talking to themselves about art until Ree Shonlau willingly broke through by giving up art making to be an arts organizer. It can start with artists not having institutional support. What happens to artists coming out of institutions? They're homeless. We need to create more places for artists and more partnerships. Fascinated by towns in Europe having a "Town Artist" who were paid a salary to interact with all levels of government. They had no voting power byt they had the power of suggestion. For us, Ted Koser, our Poet Laureate, would bee like our town artist. the power behind that idea is that it's institutionalized - they're paid for their thoughts, so they must be valuable ideas. That makes people look at things differently.

The Arts Can Bring Social Change

2007-03-21T13:50:00.000-06:00

A number of people discussed the ability of the Arts to bring about social change:

In the 1970s and 1980s, people making art were more under an imperative to make art that had a higher purpose beyond itself. How is what we are trying to do with these forums different from that situation? Or is it a continuation of that sentiment?
Lived on Venice Beach where art imitates life. Presented Alegent Health's ideas of "art strategy" and realized that the environment changes people's lives and has more of an impact on them then healthcare. The people that they're around, the music that they're listening to, the visuals, etc. What is it that emotionally moves people when they step into their facilities? Part of a social movement could be personal, societal, etc. Alegent Health owns over 60 buildings around Omaha and has been building a strategy on the arts. Excited and intrigued to hear about ways the arts can impact Health Care.
Put arts on the same need level as social services and start to treat it with the same urgency. Talked about a hospital in Iowa that allows patients to select the art they look at during recovery, and how it has proven to be a positive impact on their recovery.
Interested in raw potential and coming into it with an open mind. Not process of art making changing society but arts triggering an action or response. Memory recall of first experience with art and what power the arts has in being life changing.

The Arts Must Do More

2007-03-21T13:38:00.000-06:00

Some forum members felt that the arts and artist need to do more:

Art is consumed with the voice and ego of the individual artist and what they have to say about things they are thinking about. There is little or no focus on art being made with an idea towards social change, and certainly artists that are talking about it are not really doing anything about it. Artists have to break through the division between power and poverty which separates art from social change.
The Omaha arts are not as big as they should be. Social activism through art seems to be mostly a fad, lots of talk but little action.
Art needs to shock people out of complacency. Arts organizations try to satisfy greatest number of people, but what about art causing a stir so big that people have to write or talk about it? We need art that is controversial or work that goes around the government or corporations. Where the artists get the opportunity to push art to where they want to define it, not going through a number of committees to do a piece.
Art needs to be provocative. Art has value and encourages our younger generation by giving them creative tools to problem solve. He feels that we should have great conversations with people who get it.
Became an arts facilitator because there was such a thirst for more underground shows, alternative spaces, etc. There are still lots of bridges that need to be crossed within the arts, but when you bond together, things happen, such as in his experiences between Lincoln and Omaha.

Reach a Diverse Audience

2007-03-21T12:28:00.000-06:00

Participants from the forum on January 25th addressed issues with diversity:

As a community and a culture we are taking the arts for granted. Film and music are overly internalized to the point where we become numb to it. We don't think about it seriously anymore when talking about "the Arts" Interested in bringing diverse populations together to see how they interact within the arts (ie. Sudanese, Hispanics, etc.). How do diverse populations express themselves? How do arts organizations bring diverse populations together? You get social change through people working together towards common goals.
There is a great need for communication and educating our community. Grew up with an art history background and has always seen art as making a comment on what's going on in history. All organizations are struggling for limited funds from essentially the same pool of resources. Many people grow up with a chip on their shoulder about ethnicity and gender. Wants to dispel some common myths about South Omaha and encourage a greater unification of patronage. Education has always been the key, but it's not always accessible. Only 11 official Latino museums in the U.S. and there is a high need. She feels that people who are struggling for the basic needs are not concerned with art. However, they want to be involved and cannot afford it. El Museo Latino has a different demographic than the Joslyn or the Bemis Center and feels that they're in a constant struggle to assist those who can't afford the arts. Hence, she would like to share audiences and support between the art community to expand city awareness. Accessibility is key but doesn't know a better way to make art more accessible.
Many years of support and integration of the arts came to fruition at a jazz concert sponsored by the Opera which was about a Native American, and incorporated an art show. Thirty years of advocacy paid off. There was no anger only activism. We all learn to experience art and life through the context of school. With the goal of good music, the Blue Barn Theater multimedia presentation showed how diversity can be ignored and still represented through quality. Focus on quality and education of art and by default it will cause social change. What do we remember from past civilizations? -Their Arts.
Bring arts to all special needs communities. The need for the arts is growing and people want to participate, there's just the matter of funding. Contract with artists and treat them as a profession. Uses her organizations to introduce the arts as alternative to current programming. There is a lot going on already with this kind of integration, but not enough. Nebraska Arts Council and Iowa West Foundation are doing great for arts advocacy. She is pursuing projects through art for the sheer joy of the moment of creating.

Stories behind the Artwork

2007-03-20T14:49:00.000-06:00

The importance of art is the story behind it:

The reality is that everyone has their own agenda and there ar many resources that we need. His first impact from art was at 10 or 11 at the Joslyn, a painting of a pig during a Jamie Wyeth exhibition. Hearing the stories behind the painting and interacting with the artist impacted him the most. Feels that we need to do that, peel off the layers and expose the background and the stories.

Hanging O!round coutesy of the Omaha City Weekly

2007-03-20T10:23:00.000-06:00

The Midwest doesn’t exactly scream excitement. For the most part, coastal and Southern cities get all the attention and become the “places to go,” while the budding cities stuck in the middle are lost in the anonymity and misconceptions of the country’s most uneventful region. These poor, unsuspecting places are often nothing more than dots on MapQuest to would-be travelers, and most are more likely to become “places to drive past quickly.”

In order for them to become destinations rather than rest stops, these Midwestern cities need to generate a little national attention. You know, really make a name for themselves. With the help of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and a fresh new PR campaign, our humble Nebraskan paradise is doing just that, one enthusiastic letter at a time.

The O! campaign, which was launched in 2003, has quickly become a trademarked symbol and the official brand of Omaha. What began as an effort to help local businesses and associations in marketing promotions, has flourished into a movement that has renewed Omahans’ pride in and excitement for their city, as well as thrust it into the national spotlight. The simple red O! represents more than the city’s name; it symbolizes Omaha’s passion for progress.

“This campaign provides Omahans with a visual way to show their enthusiasm for the community,” said O! campaign director Molly Skold. “But now it’s extended way beyond that due to the success of the campaign. It’s also become a way to show the country that we’re out here, we exist and there’s a lot going on in Omaha. People are finally starting to say, ‘Let’s go see what this great big O! is all about.’”

Going into its fourth year, the O! campaign is continuing to build positive excitement about the city and the symbol, all while improving community well being and health. The campaign’s latest endeavor, the O! Public Art Project, is a joint effort with the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and Alegent Health. The project is set to kick off later this spring and may prove to be the O! campaign’s most successful promotion yet.

“We wanted to do something that would merge community enthusiasm with free public art,” said Skold. “We wanted to celebrate the community, and area artists and the community’s diversity all at the same time.”

The O! Public Art Project will include 22 three-dimensional, 6-foot sculptures of O!s that will be placed in selected sites around the city. Each sculpture is being completely customized by 22 of the most talented and established artists in the area. Carefully chosen by a committee of celebrated local artists, the artists selected for the project will fully realize the potential of the sculptures in a unique and amazing way. While the exact details of each artist’s vision will remain a secret until the project’s unveiling in May, Skold did hint at the idea of 10-foot bunny rabbit O! and several that will require electricity while on display.

“All of the artists are maintaining the integrity of the project, but a few have actually deviated from the O! quite a bit and are doing something very different and creative,” said Skold. “They’ve been given a lot of leeway so we don’t inhibit their creativity, because that’s what this is all about. We want these O!s to really generate a lot of dialogue, and we want people to make the O!s their own. It’s about what does this mean for you?”

According to Skold, the O!s will be placed at sites that best pull together what Omaha is all about, from the downtown area all the way out to West Omaha. Once installed, the sculptures will remain on public display for about nine months. Afterwards, Alegent Health, the sole sponsor of the project, will then auction them off to private buyers and donate all the proceeds to a yet undecided charity.

In the meantime, Skold urges people to take full advantage of the O!s while they can by visiting and contemplating each sculpture, as well as maintaining the well-being and safety of the artwork. The community will certainly play a vital role in the success of a project that aspires to promote growth and change in Omaha.

“The privilege on this project is to be able to take this community to new levels. Omaha has got a lot coming to it, and people are really going to be blown away.” For more information about the O! campaign and the O! Public Art Project, or for a complete list of artists and sites included in the project, visit OSoSurprising.com.