As a part of The Landscape data collection process, the Foundation also compiled a number of stories from community members who have been impacted by the focus areas. This is one of the stories that represent the lived experiences of people who reside in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area.
Edem is a local musician who credits her introduction to the violin at age nine with a life-long interest in the arts. Today she is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and performer who recognizes both the benefits and challenges of Omaha’s small, creative community in nurturing her own career and that of other young artists.
Born in Maryland and raised in Omaha, Edem benefited from her mother’s encouragement in starting orchestra at an early age. She continued playing violin and has been involved in music and arts in the Omaha region ever since. Through her own experiences, she’s become a staunch advocate of Omaha’s growing arts community and a supporter of other local up-and-coming young artists.
Edem believes the future is bright for Omaha’s arts and culture scene. As a seasoned musician who has experienced both the benefits and drawbacks of being a creative professional in a mid-sized, Midwestern city, she sees more collaboration and excitement around the arts than ever before. From her perspective, those that are funding and supporting the arts now are paving the way for what could be a more robust, vibrant art scene in the years to come. She is proud of the unity and strength within the music community but knows it will take continued recognition and celebration of the diversity of cultures, experiences, and backgrounds by all for the community to successfully grow as an arts destination.