2026 Benefit Art Auction
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
724 S. 12th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Omaha's premier celebration of contemporary art!
Each October, Bemis Center’s Benefit Art Auction brings together a vibrant community of artists, collectors, creatives, and cultural supporters from across the region in celebration of contemporary art.
Approximately 300 works will be selected for the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition, on view to the public with free admission from October 9–30.
Proceeds from the Benefit Art Auction support participating artists and are invested in Bemis Center programs—including exhibitions, LOW END performances, public education programs, and our international artist residency—ensuring they remain free and accessible, year-round.
Open Call: May 15–June 15, 2026
The Benefit Art Auction offers a dynamic platform for artists to showcase artwork while generating essential support for Bemis. In addition to up to 50% commission on the sale of their work, participating artists receive the following benefits:
- Two complimentary tickets to the auction on October 30, 2026
- One-year Bemis Center Membership at the $500 Core level
- Free shipping for your donated artwork
- Free framing for your donated artwork for the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition (if applicable)
- Bemis Alumni Status
There is no fee to submit. The deadline is June 15 at 11:59 PM CT.
To get started, please view the FAQ and submit here. Note: A Gmail (or Google Workspace) account is required to use the submission form.
Bid from Anywhere!
All artwork is available for browsing and purchase online at Buy It Now prices, 150% of retail price, starting October 5. Mobile bidding is enabled on auction night, October 30, with bids starting at 70% of retail price.
Watch for more
Sign up to receive text alerts and email announcements about this year's Benefit Art Auction here.
Above images left to right, top to bottom: Dan Crane, Richard Chung, Fallen Fruit (David Allen Burns + Austin Young), Jess Benjamin, Hai-Wen Lin, James Bockelman, Jeff Sedrel, Jun Kaneko, Larry Buller, DARNstudio (David Anthone + Ron Norsworthy), Amelia Broussard. Courtesy of the artists, as part of the 2025 Benefit Art Auction.
Timeline
Open Call Ends
Final day to submit artwork
Notifications of Selected Work
Sent to applicants via email
Artwork Delivery / Drop-Off Deadline
All accepted artwork must be received by Bemis Center
Artwork Available Online
Preview and purchase at Buy it Now prices
Benefit Art Auction
5:30–9:15 PM: This indoor/outdoor celebration includes a tented block party in front of Bemis on 12th Street, with open bars, small bites, music, and mobile bidding. Bidding begins at 70% of retail price.
Special thanks to our 2025 sponsors:
PRESENTING
EPICENTER
CORE
NEXUS
IN-KIND
GET MORE ART IN YOUR INBOX
Contemporary Arts
724 S. 12th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402.341.7130
info@bemiscenter.org