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Connecting Students with Visiting Artists
Acclaimed composer and jazz pianist Billy Childs (right) reviews a score with an Arts Academy bass student.
Thanks to the generosity of Todd and Betiana Simon of Omaha Steaks, a new endowment has the potential to shape Camp and Academy students’ lives through the mentorship of renowned American artists.
The Omaha Steaks Visiting Artist Endowment will fund artists’ visits to Interlochen’s campus for workshops, collaborations, and residencies.
“My family understood that a vibrant arts culture was crucial to make a place like Omaha into a world-class city that attracts world-class talent,” said fifth-generation family owner and CEO Todd Simon. “Our goal with this endowment is to provide students the opportunity to engage with creative and artistic programs and pass down a passion for the arts to the next generation. We feel honored to support and help build local artist communities across the country.”
The endowment gives preference to United States Artist Fellows or artists from organizations with similar missions. United States Artists is a national organization that provides $50,000 unrestricted grants per year to 50 artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Interlochen will draw from this distinguished group to fund visiting artists in Creative Writing, Dance, Interdisciplinary Arts, Film & New Media, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with United States Artists and grateful to Omaha Steaks and Todd and Betiana Simon,” said Trey Devey, President of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “The USA Fellows will bring specialized expertise, new voices, and innovative methods to our students and depart as ambassadors for Interlochen. It will also be an important opportunity to further build our community of artists on our campus and beyond.”
As Interlochen approaches its centennial in 2028, the institution has committed to providing a Formative Experience for students. A vital part of this goal is building and maintaining an outstanding visiting and guest artist program. The Omaha Steaks Visiting Artist Endowment is helping to make that goal possible.
Our goal is to provide students the opportunity to engage with creative and artistic programs and pass down a passion for the arts to the next generation.