Black arts renaissance (Rochester, NY)
Black American creatives are at the forefront of the city's art scene in Rochester, NY. With an ongoing legacy that deserves attention, these artists deserve to be supported by the community so their work can thrive in this space.
The arts are an integral part of Rochester's cultural identity. The city has a rich history of supporting its local artists and creating a vibrant environment for the arts economy. While there is a long history of racialized oppression in Rochester, it is essential to remember that Black creatives have always been among its most creative and influential members. Yet they continue to face discrimination in the arts industry, which negatively impacts their ability to participate in this space and their potential for success within it.
Black Americans have been creating beautiful art for centuries, but our stories rarely get told—even when they do, they don't get told often enough or loudly enough. But here in Rochester: there is a BLACK ARTS RENAISSANCE happening, and it is undeniable! And we want YOU to be part of it!
Black Americans represent only 1.2% percent of all artists whose work is displayed through galleries or museums, despite representing close to 15% percent of the U.S. population overall (Bynoe). This means that countless talented artists are not being given adequate opportunities to share their work with audiences who might appreciate it most—mainly when those audiences do not reflect the diversity of America itself!
This means that there is more work left undone than has been done so far on this front: we need more people working together toward better representation in all aspects of our society.
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