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Building Community Through the Arts: Inside the Tenaska Center
In this episode of The Vault by FNBO, host David Cota sits down with Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, to explore her journey in the arts and the evolution of one of Nebraska’s most influential cultural institutions. Joan reflects on her path from music educator to arts executive, sharing how she helped build Omaha Performing Arts from the ground up into a statewide leader that now serves hundreds of thousands annually. She discusses her leadership philosophy—centered on high standards, adaptability, and strong teamwork—and highlights the importance of arts education, community investment, and creating shared experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.
The conversation also spotlights the newly opened Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, a transformative addition to Omaha’s arts landscape. Designed to expand access to arts education, the center offers a wide range of programs—from Broadway masterclasses and dance workshops to early childhood and community-based initiatives. Squires emphasizes how the facility addresses growing demand while strengthening community connections through creative expression. Looking ahead, she envisions continued growth, innovation, and expanded reach, reinforcing the role of the arts in enhancing quality of life, fostering economic impact, and making Omaha a vibrant, culturally rich destination.
To learn more about Omaha Performing Arts Tenaska Center for Arts engagement, please visit https://o-pa.org/tenaska.
Member FDIC
00:00 - Meet Joan Squires
01:45 - From Music Teacher to Arts Leader
03:05 - Starting Omaha Performing Arts
04:28 - OPA Today and Its Growing Impact
05:20 - Leading with High Standards
06:39 - Why the Tenaska Center Was Needed
07:50 - Programs for Kids, Families, and the Community
09:01 - The Role of Tenaska and Other Community Partners
10:27 - The Power of Shared Arts Experiences
12:25 - Arts, Workforce, and Economic Impact
13:26 - How Families Can Get Involved
14:08 - Community Day Preview
14:51 - Looking Ahead for OPA
16:29 - Future Plans and Final Thoughts
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By FNBOIn this episode of The Vault by FNBO, host David Cota sits down with Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, to explore her journey in the arts and the evolution of one of Nebraska’s most influential cultural institutions. Joan reflects on her path from music educator to arts executive, sharing how she helped build Omaha Performing Arts from the ground up into a statewide leader that now serves hundreds of thousands annually. She discusses her leadership philosophy—centered on high standards, adaptability, and strong teamwork—and highlights the importance of arts education, community investment, and creating shared experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.
The conversation also spotlights the newly opened Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, a transformative addition to Omaha’s arts landscape. Designed to expand access to arts education, the center offers a wide range of programs—from Broadway masterclasses and dance workshops to early childhood and community-based initiatives. Squires emphasizes how the facility addresses growing demand while strengthening community connections through creative expression. Looking ahead, she envisions continued growth, innovation, and expanded reach, reinforcing the role of the arts in enhancing quality of life, fostering economic impact, and making Omaha a vibrant, culturally rich destination.
To learn more about Omaha Performing Arts Tenaska Center for Arts engagement, please visit https://o-pa.org/tenaska.
Member FDIC
00:00 - Meet Joan Squires
01:45 - From Music Teacher to Arts Leader
03:05 - Starting Omaha Performing Arts
04:28 - OPA Today and Its Growing Impact
05:20 - Leading with High Standards
06:39 - Why the Tenaska Center Was Needed
07:50 - Programs for Kids, Families, and the Community
09:01 - The Role of Tenaska and Other Community Partners
10:27 - The Power of Shared Arts Experiences
12:25 - Arts, Workforce, and Economic Impact
13:26 - How Families Can Get Involved
14:08 - Community Day Preview
14:51 - Looking Ahead for OPA
16:29 - Future Plans and Final Thoughts