5 minute read
BEHIND THE SCENES: Joan Squires Marks 20 Years at Omaha Performing Arts
- JOAN SQUIRES, PRESIDENT, OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS
BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN
AS OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS PRESIDENT JOAN SQUIRES
CELEBRATES HER 20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH THE ORGANIZATION, SHE LOOKS AT ITS EVOLUTION SINCE 2002 AND THE VISION FOR ITS FUTURE.
Behind the Scenes
JOAN SQUIRES MARKS 20 YEARS AT OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS
Omaha Performing Arts President Joan Squires was recently dining in a local restaurant when a man came over and introduced himself as a recruiter for a firm in Omaha, thanking her for what Omaha Performing Arts brings to the community.
“He said it makes a difference as he is able to recruit people for jobs and positions, because they ask, ‘What is there to do?’” she said. “As we look at cities around the country that we want to emulate, their entertainment and arts is a core part of who they are. And it does help us attract a workforce and retain people … Arts and culture contribute greatly to our quality of life. People want to know what makes it worthwhile to come to a place and stay and work and raise a family. We are a key for workforce development and help attract and retain workers and businesses.”
Squires is reminded every day of why the arts are important. Her 20 years with Omaha Performing Arts have gone by fast, she said, and she’s seen a lot of positive change since joining the organization in 2002.
“When I arrived and there was only the Orpheum where local organizations performed, there wasn’t any room on the calendar to present touring artists or top Broadway shows,” she said. “Now we present a wide variety of the very best performances including Broadway, jazz, dance, touring bands, comedians, family shows and more. We have all of these options now, similar to other major metropolitan markets — and we present the shows in world-class venues.”
Jack Koraleski, who serves as board chair for Omaha Performing Arts, credits much of this to Squires’ leadership.
Squires said several factors contribute to the success of Omaha Performing Arts, or “O-pa” for short, including a focus on quality performances, venues, and education and engagement programs.
“The performing arts bring people together, which we need now more than ever. The arts can bring joy, make us think, help us be creative,” she said.
She noted that the performing arts provide entertainment, education and engagement opportunities.
“Joan is a tireless advocate for arts education and is totally focused on bringing the arts to life,” Koraleski said. “That’s what makes Omaha
CONTINUED
- JACK KORALESKI, BOARD CHAIR, OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS
CONTINUED
Performing Arts so important to Omaha. O-pa provides the highest quality performances and educational experiences and ensures they are available to every member of our community.”
Squires said she’s gratified by the performances and education experiences O-pa has presented that didn’t exist before the organization was established. The organization serves not only Omaha, but also a much bigger footprint across the state.
Squires said she’s also proud of the organization’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
“Our artists and programs reflect that,” she said. “We offer programs both within our venues and throughout the community that provide access for all. These have been developed through our relationships and our engagement programs. One of the key programs is Voices Amplified, our series on arts and social justice that has focused on diverse voices and connects local artists and touring shows.”
O-pa’s statewide presence goes beyond fostering the arts, Squires said.
“I think people sometimes dismiss us as ‘just’ an arts organization without understanding the tremendous economic impact we have,” she said. “When Steelhouse Omaha opens, our annual economic impact will be $61 million annually.
“We currently reach over 550,000 people each year and are a key contributor to the community’s quality of life. I also think people sometimes feel you must dress up and that tickets are expensive, which is not the case. We present free concerts such as Jazz on the Green and Music at Miller Park. Our tickets often have low-priced options or sometimes we have a lottery to provide very inexpensive seats. And at times, we offer free tickets to nonprofit service organizations.”
People can support O-pa by attending performances and subscribing to its series; volunteering; or contributing financially, including through corporate and foundation giving. Sound financial management, Squires said, keeps Omaha Performing Arts strong.
“Although we’re a nonprofit organization, we have [an obligation] to be fiscally responsible and manage our finances efficiently,” she said. “We earn approximately 70 to 75% of our revenues through ticket sales and venue rentals and must rely on contributions for the other 25 to 30%. We must serve as good stewards for those who contribute to us and to ensure the future success of O-pa.”
Squires’ anniversary year also marks the opening of a new live music venue located near the Holland Center, Steelhouse Omaha, on May 12.
After two decades, the south-central Pennsylvania native said Nebraska feels like home.
She’s serious, however, about her appreciation for O-pa’s loyal patrons, community partners, philanthropic supporters, board of directors, and committed staff and volunteers.
MBJ
READ MORE ABOUT JOAN SQUIRES IN THE EXTENDED STORY AT WWW.MBJ.COM
402-345-0202 • 1200 DOUGLAS ST., OMAHA, NE 68102 • O-PA.ORG SOCIAL MEDIA: LINKEDIN • FACEBOOK • TWITTER
