Festival Ex Nihilo 2025: A Sonic Frontier in Omaha
Ex Nihilo 2025 unfolds from September 11 to 13 in Omaha, Nebraska—a sonic conduit between Mexico and the Midwest. Organized by Soundarte.net & Soundry, this festival embodies the spirit of genesis—from nothingness (ex nihilo)—to a flourishing, cross-border artistic tapestry.
A Tri-Venue Voyage Through Sound and Space
Each evening unfolds within unique architectural spaces:
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Joslyn Castle & Gardens invites introspection through video art, experimental film, and ensemble performances.
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The Church Art House transforms into a sanctuary for noise, electronic improvisation, and vocal experimentation.
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Benson Theatre (Benson Creative District) closes the festival with a vibrantly curated electroacoustic night, featuring both local and international talent in modular, ambient, and folktrónica soundscapes.
Artists at the Forefront
This year’s lineup features a bold roster of artists including: Jen McEvoy, Rosa Nelson, Cadena Nacional, Everardo Felipe, Dylan Barry, Smith & Jessen, Mighty Vitamins, Cast Off Form, PMN904, GMT, Sucks Teeth, Steve Urbauer, Spidercat, Alex Jacobsen, Wesley Groves, Stacey Barelos, Folktrónica Experimental Ensemble with Connor Luedtke, and Matthew Ryals.
Transcultural Continuum
Originaly founded by experimental artist Emmanuel Ontiveros in Guanajuato, Mexico, Festival Ex Nihilo is not an isolated event but part of a larger web of exchange. Earlier in April, Guanajuato, Mexico hosted parallel performances, discussions, and deep-listening sessions—strengthening the solidarity and creative kinship shared between artists across the Americas.
Inclusion Beyond Attendance
Embracing an ethic of radical accessibility, the festival offers multi-channel engagement: in-person performance, participatory workshops, online streaming, and free-entrance opportunities.
The Soundry Institute Workshop
On Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 PM, inside the Petshop Gallery installations at the Benson Creative District, Dr. Stacey Barelos will lead The Soundry Institute Workshop.
This session offers participants an open space to explore the intersection of sound and visual art through simple yet inventive techniques. Rather than a traditional lecture, the workshop emphasizes hands-on exercises that merge listening, performance, and visual composition. A composer, performer, and educator based in Omaha, Dr. Barelos guides participants in treating sound as both artistic material and expressive tool.
Reflecting Festival [ex nihilo] 2025’s commitment to crossing disciplinary boundaries, the workshop invites the public directly into the creative process, highlighting contemporary practices that expand how we experience art.
Looking Forward
As Omaha tunes into this evolving sonic wave, Festival Ex Nihilo invites communities to rethink boundaries—geographical, digital, aesthetic. It’s an invitation to participate in the co-creation of sound, space, and connection.
Leading the sonic charge are:
- Stacey Barelos, an artist known for deep-listening and extended techniques, continues her transcontinental dialogue from her April participation in Guanajuato.
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Alex Jacobsen, exemplifies hybrid electronic innovation across borders.
We are currently seeking sponsorships and community partnerships to help sustain and grow the Experimental Music scene in Omaha. This festival has become a tradition of edgy, boundary-pushing art, and with the support of local businesses, cultural organizations, and patrons of the arts, we can continue keeping this vital and innovative spirit alive for years to come.
Donate through our Non Profit Organization: Soundry or here.
For press inquiries or submissions, please email: sener@soundarte.net
