OUR MISSION
Local Artists. Local Art
Our mission is to build a more diverse, resilient and thriving Omaha arts sector.
Our goal is to transform Omaha into a nationally recognized arts mecca where local visual artists can earn a living because both public and private art collectors are abundant. Local artists thrive when their art is sought after, purchased and proudly displayed. Through excellent, thoughtful and engaging public murals, sculptures, exhibitions, and art forward initiatives, we will work to bring attention to local artists and build a more vibrant city.
Omaha is home to talented and unique artists, but few of these artists are able to make a living due to lack of opportunity, grant funding, and support from local institutions. In fact, many local artists are moving away to other cities to pursue their careers. This lack of foundation leads to a talent shortage and a city void of excellent public art that reflects its communities. This also perpetuates the self-defeating cycle of raising money locally to pay out of state artists and forges to produce art for our city.
Lala, an acronym for Local Artists, Local Art, aims to confront these issues head on by providing the basic needs for artists to live and by creating opportunities for them to thrive. Through programs dedicated to large-scale local public art projects, mentoring, exhibitions, art sales, and affordable work spaces, we believe Omaha can retain and attract creative talent and become a celebrated arts mecca.
WE EXIST TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE OMAHA METRO ARTISTS
We are steadfast supporters of art and fierce advocates for local artists. We believe in colorful, expressive and vibrant cities full of inspiration and joy. We value graphic excellence, diversity, and culture. Through public murals, sculptures, exhibitions, and art forward initiatives, we are restoring dignity to local artists, building a safer city, and strengthening the economy.
From consulting, curation, production, and ongoing care for public art large and small, we offer a unique turnkey solution to art-centered urban beautification projects. By working with local artists, industry professionals, and city departments and communities, we create award-winning public murals, sculptures, and exhibitions that increase public wellbeing and drive foot traffic to local businesses.
OUR HISTORY
FROM A+I (2020) TO LALA (2024)
Conceived by Laura Alley and funded by the Faith Foundation, Art + Infrastructure was born in Spring 2020 as a way to support local artists during the pandemic. In March 2020, when the reality of Covid began to sink in and the shut downs were beginning, Laura wanted to keep local artists working while also bringing joy to Omaha. She hoped to pull together artists that would create excellent public art in surprising places, the forgotten spaces, the spaces in-between.
Laura believed it was critical that this project was Artist-Lead, so her first calls were to Betni Kalk and Weston Thomson, local artists she admires and has worked with over the years. Laura’s vision required that the art is of excellent quality, and be created by an inclusive, diverse mix of local artists. As the concept took shape, the team looked for an organization to be a fiscal sponsor and administrator. Omaha by Design was enthusiastic to help.
The success of the initial A+I projects combined with seeing other needs of local artists inspired Laura, Betni and Weston. In 2024, they founded a new nonprofit called LaLa (Local Artists. Local Art.). In addition to future partnerships with Omaha by Design, LaLa will provide artists opportunities for grants, exhibitions, mentoring and public art projects.
PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
The City of Omaha Public Arts Commission has been an excellent resource and aid in the process, reviewing each artwork to ensure a consistently high standard for public art across the city.
https://mayors-office.cityofomaha.org/2-uncategorised/210-public-art-commission
Our Events
We host a variety of events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Our events are open to everyone and are a great way to get involved in the arts community.
A+I MURALS FROM 2020-2024
Foundation Funded
Marshall Faith generously supported these public projects through the Faith Foundation
2020-22 Metro’s ORBT 24 murals by 18 artists on Dodge and Douglas
Won OEAA’s 2021 Best Public Art
2022 Peace Mural by Peña and Talbert, on Cuming St
Won OEAA’s 2023 Best Public Art
2023 Sarah Rowe’s “Starseeds” Silo Mural, in partnership with Ardent Mills
Client-Funded
2022 Millwork Common’s Hello Apts: 19 murals
2024 Square Apts Parking Lot Wall
OUR PEOPLE
FOUNDER
LAURA ALLEY, Founder of LaLa
STAFF
BETNI KALK, co-director
AMELIA BROUSSARD , co-director
Exhibitions and Events Coordinator
WESTON THOMSON, co-director
BOARD
Sarah Rowe
Renee Ledesma
Todd Moeller
COMMITTEES
We are currently building our committees. If you are a local visual artist who is interested in helping LaLa to make decisions about projects and grants, please contact us stating your interest.
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