OUR MISSION

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.