Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello are collaborating to develop an arts and culture plan, a key recommendation of Rochester’s 2034 Comprehensive Plan, and they are now inviting public input.

The plan will foster economic development, enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, and expand on existing arts and cultural assets. The plan’s next steps will be based on feedback gathered from community members, arts organizations, civic leaders, and leaders in Rochester’s arts. 

The feedback will be gathered through public engagements, including 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 in a press release.

These upcoming events will allow members of the public to learn more about the Arts & Culture Plan and share their input: 

Arts & Culture Plan Community Meetings

Art & Culture & Future & Roc! 

• 7–8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Roc Arts & Events Space, 215 Tremont St., Door 3, Floor 3. This PechaKucha-style event will feature artists and City staff sharing their visions for the future of art and culture in Rochester. A Pecha Kucha presentation is a format that uses 20 slides or images that are displayed for 20 seconds each.  

Arts & Culture Plan Pop-Up Events

• 8:30–11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. 
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Fall Fest at Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St. 
• 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Annual Agricultural Fair at Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford. 
• 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. 

For more information and to fill out the survey, visit www.RochesterArtsPlan.com.

Genae Shields is the business and development impact reporter. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about newly emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester’s BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Contact Genae at [email protected].