Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement

Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) is expanding its campus through construction of a Center for Arts Engagement which will be located East of the Holland Performing Arts Center on the green lawn between Dodge and Douglas Streets. Phase II of the original campus master plan identified the need for additional rehearsal, workshop and classroom spaces to accommodate O-pa’s expanding education and engagement activities. Learn more about those programs below:

Rendering - Education Corridor 

Rendering - Rehearsal Hall

Rendering - Lobby

OMAHA, NE (September 7, 2023) – Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) has announced that the newest addition to its downtown campus will be named the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement in recognition of a principal gift from Tenaska, a leading U.S. company with business operations across the energy value chain.    

 “We are thrilled to name the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement after an Omaha-founded and based leading company – one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S.,” stated Joan Squires, President of O-pa. “This generous commitment, together with gifts from other donors, will support our newest venue, serving O-pa’s mission and broadening our ability to reach thousands of students and participants through performing arts education and engagement programs for the community.”

The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement will offer additional rehearsal, workshop and classroom spaces to accommodate O-pa's expanding education and community engagement programs, which already serve more than 100,000 students, teachers and community members each year. A large event venue will also be part of this new center. Project plans were developed when O-pa determined it was out of space for these activities and after interviews with local organizations and community leaders, as well as research about similar venues around the country.

Site preparation has begun for the new $108 million facility east of the Holland Center at 12^th Street between Dodge and Douglas Streets. The official groundbreaking is set for Oct. 11, 2023, with an estimated opening in the Spring of 2026.

“Tenaska’s roots will always run deep in Omaha,” said Howard Hawks, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Tenaska. “We specifically searched for a project that would be enjoyed by anyone and everyone; would draw people together; and would tangibly demonstrate Tenaska’s pride and loyalty to our larger Omaha community. We are thrilled to partner with O-pa on this project, and we firmly believe O-pa’s goal of increasing space to expand quality arts, education and engagement programs is a perfect fit. Tenaska’s executive team, Rhonda and I cannot adequately express our thanks - or the pride we feel - for Tenaska employees who have proven to be generous in their contributions of time, talent and treasure to worthy causes in Omaha and across the country. The partnership with O-pa will be a visible reminder of Tenaska’s dedication to the community.”

In addition to enhancing arts education options in the region, the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement will complete the O-pa campus that is centered around the Holland Performing Arts Center and includes Steelhouse Omaha (opened in May 2023). The three venues are designed by Ennead Architects, original designers of the Holland Center, along with Holland Basham Architects of Omaha (Steelhouse Omaha and the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement). Additional project partners include Fisher Dachs, Threshold Acoustics, Kiewit Building Group and TRI Project Solutions.

Rendering - Dodge Street facing southwest

Rendering - Douglas Street facing north 

“On behalf of the O-pa Board of Directors, we are honored to recognize Tenaska’s generous commitment to performing arts education and the young people of our community,” said Jack Koraleski, Chair of the O-pa Board of Directors. "Tenaska understands the impact of these programs and recognizes the value this serves in further activating other philanthropic investments in downtown Omaha and enhancing the Heartland’s quality of life.”

Omaha Performing Arts welcomes more than 550,000 people to the Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater each year, along with the recently opened Steelhouse Omaha that will bring even more people downtown for concerts, comedians, community events and more. The organization’s current estimated annual economic impact on the region is $61 million.

OMAHA, NE (July 14, 2022) – Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) announced plans to further expand its campus through construction of a Center for Arts Engagement which will be located East of the Holland Performing Arts Center on the green lawn between Dodge and Douglas Streets. Phase II of the original campus master plan identified the need for additional rehearsal, workshop and classroom spaces to accommodate O-pa’s expanding education and engagement activities. Fundraising is underway to cover the costs of the approximately $103 million facility.

“Performing arts education and engagement programs that serve the community are a key part of our mission,” said O-pa President Joan Squires. “These activities already reach over 100,000 students and participants annually from across Nebraska and beyond. With our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we want to broaden these programs and launch new ones, and we simply do not have adequate space. This new venue will reach thousands of new participants and will also help further activate the other investments in downtown Omaha including the newly renovated Gene Leahy Mall.”

O-pa is known for its world-class facilities, performances by artists and ensembles of the highest quality, and education and engagement programs that reach a wide variety of community members. The addition of this venue will expand opportunities for students and community members to connect to touring artists in a venue designed to host these interactions. Project plans were developed after interviews with local organizations and community leaders, and research about similar venues around the country.

In addition to enhancing arts education options in the Omaha area, the Center for Arts Engagement will complete the O-pa campus that is centered around the Holland Performing Arts Center and includes Steelhouse Omaha (opening in mid-2023). The three venues are designed by Ennead Architects (formerly Polshek Partnership), original designers of the Holland Center, and Holland Basham Architects of Omaha.

“Inspiring young people through the arts is a key focus, and this new venue will enable thousands more to participate in our programs,” O-pa Board Chairman Jack Koraleski said. “Our board and leadership teams are dedicated to providing vibrant arts and entertainment experiences in Omaha and the region. This newest venue is about the future of our community – significantly contributing to Omaha’s quality of life.”

Omaha Performing Arts welcomes more than 550,000 people to the Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater each year. The organization’s annual economic impact is $48 million which will increase to $61 million when Steelhouse Omaha opens.