BFF Omaha
Headquartered in Benson, BFF is dedicated to building community through arts engagement. We support the arts & our community through Advocacy, Education, Inclusion, Opportunity, and Unique experiences (AEIOU). We provide a social infrastructure that is integral to the community’s well being and supportive of local artists, businesses, residents, commerce, and the environment through interactive art programs.
Photos Courtesy of Katera BrownBuilding community
through arts engagement.
Values. BFF supports the Arts & our Community through Advocacy, Education, Inclusion, Opportunity, and Unique Experiences. AEIOU! (We’d like to buy a vowel!)
Vision. While continuing to build community in Benson and Omaha, BFF envisions using our 10-year history as a guiding template to expand the mission to build community through arts engagement in other neighborhoods and cities.
Belief. We believe that everyone has the right to create, experience, and cultivate the arts in our communities.
Acknowledgment.
BFF Omaha acknowledges the historical legacy of colonialism by honoring and paying respect to the land, which was taken by conquest, along with the domination of the people who inhabited the land, and the imposition of white supremacy. We do it to raise greater public consciousness of Native sovereignty and cultural rights as a small step toward equitable relationship and reconciliation.
We acknowledge the historical legacy of colonialism and non-western ways of knowing
that holistically link mind, body, spirit, and the human and non-human.
We acknowledge that the space we are in, and the land we are on, are part of who we are and how we know the world.
Here in Omaha we are on native UmoHo (Omaha) and Ochethi Sakowin land.
“Ni Bthaska” is the UmoHo term for “flat water.”
Make Art, Meet Your Neighbors and Get Involved with BFF Omaha
BFF Omaha has a full season of art, culture and community ahead in the Benson Creative District.
New American Arts Festival
Join us during Benson First Friday on Friday, August 7, for the 13th Annual New American Arts Festival, featuring immigrant- and refugee-identifying artists, performers, musicians, makers, food vendors and community organizations.
Explore visual art, live performances, workshops, youth activities and cultural experiences throughout the district.
The festival is made possible with support from Fiber-First, the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, Soundarte.net, Mutual of Omaha, and Ted & Wally’s
Weekly Ways to Get Involved
Art Club at Trudy’s meets every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2814 N. 60th St. Bring a project, use available supplies and create alongside neighbors and local artists. Art Club is free and open to all ages and abilities.
The BFF Green Team Cleanup meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. behind Petshop, 2725 N. 62nd St. Supplies are provided, and everyone is welcome.
BFF Handmade Parade
The BFF Handmade Parade returns Friday, October 2, during October First Friday. Presented with Giant Joy Collective, the parade welcomes handmade puppets, masks, costumes, banners, mobile sculptures and performers.
Lineup begins at 6 p.m., and the parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Participation is free, with registration due August 31.
2026 BFF Ball + Art Auction
The 2026 BFF Ball + Art Auction takes place Friday, November 13, from 6 to 10 p.m., with an artwork preview during Benson First Friday on Friday, November 6, from 6 to 9 p.m.
BFF Omaha is now accepting artwork for the auction. Artists working in all styles and mediums are encouraged to submit! Submissions are due September 11.
Learn more, submit artwork and find the latest updates at bffomaha.org.