Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello are collaborating to create an Arts & Culture Plan aimed at shaping the region's cultural landscape for the future. The plan, developed by City and County teams, seeks input from community members, arts organizations, civic leaders, and stakeholders in Rochester’s arts ecosystem.

The Arts & Culture Plan will identify opportunities to leverage existing arts and cultural assets, foster economic development, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. The action steps will be based on feedback gathered through a public engagement process that includes an online survey and a series of public meetings and pop-up events.

“The arts flourish when they reach every corner of our community and reflect the diverse and creative voices of every citizen, regardless of where they live,” said Mayor Evans. “We are committed to working together to grow Rochester’s legacy as a city of the arts and cultivating a thriving cultural community.”

“Monroe County is a creative community. We are home to a diverse range of arts—from hobbyists to regional theaters, to globally recognized artists and institutions,” said County Executive Bello. “I am grateful to Mayor Evans for his partnership in recognizing the role the arts play in our creative economy and for his commitment to creating a plan that ensures we remain a community of the arts long into the future.”

Public input can be shared at various upcoming events:

Arts & Culture Plan Community Meetings:

- 5:30–7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School, 625 Scio St.

- 5:30–7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Edgerton Stardust Ballroom 41 Backus St.

- 5:30–7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 (Virtual). Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsceqtpzkpH9SjksjerMqca2iHvR21Zj0R

Art & Culture & Future & Roc!:

- 7–8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at Roc Arts & Events Space, 215 Tremont St., Door 3, Floor 3.

Arts & Culture Plan Pop-Up Events:

- 8:30–11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at Rochester Public Market

- 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Fall Fest at Parcel 5

- 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, at Annual Agricultural Fair at Genesee Country Village & Museum

- 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Saturday Oct.12 ,at Rochester Public Market

For more information or to complete the survey visit www.RochesterArtsPlan.com.

The Arts & Culture Plan is part of the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan with contributions from the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Farash Foundation.