The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement is officially open

We opened the doors of this new brick-and-mortar home for arts learning, but it was you, our community, who officially brought the Tenaska Center to life at Community Day on April 11, 2026.

The halls and classrooms filled with movement, dancing, and music. Performers on stilts strolled the lobbies. Children watched local musicians play and tried their hand at everything from kazoos to violins. Parents sampled classes that they knew their aspiring performers would love, and then found the ones that fueled their own passions too. From Baby ArtsPlay!™ to Dance for Older Adults, a Veterans Jam Session to Hip Hop and Caribbean Folk Arts, and so much in between, there was something to try for every age and every season of creativity.

Attendee Jennifer Ross said, “It was fun for us to be able to get some stuff too, because usually it’s just for the kids. We were really excited that we got to participate too. To create, to learn, to build community, and the more places that we can have like that in our city is only going to make it flourish.”

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The joy was palpable for attendees and Omaha Performing Arts staff and volunteers alike. Staff members called out to each other “Come here. Come see this.” as the years of planning became real people, real learning, and real celebration.

O-pa Director of Education Kathleen Lawler Hustead called the day an inspiration. “It was wonderful to see so many different people of all ages engaged as we brought the space to life. It was powerful to have one group learning choreography from The Lion King while another practiced piano, while another sampled hip hop classes and on and on. Everyone deserves access to the arts, and to see that come alive at the Tenaska Center was so inspiring.”

The best part? This is just the beginning.

If you haven’t come inside yet, the doors are open. Step in and wonder. Come sing, dance, work out, develop your talents, and feed your curiosity. There’s no age limit for inspiration. Let’s marvel at the future we can create together for our city.