Area Activity Guide: First Friday Rochester
May 2017
Access Local Arts
One of the things that make Rochester such a great place to live is its rich arts and music scene. But while names like Kodak and Eastman tend to dominate the spotlight, there’s also a thriving scene of quieter, lower-profile artists and galleries actively upholding our city’s reputation for being among the top communities in the country for arts vibrancy. Living outside the city, it can be hard to access the exciting offerings of the local art scene, so we’re excited to share an entry point with you. It’s known as First Friday Rochester.
Extend your Comfort Zone
The first Friday of each month, nearly 100 galleries, studios, non-profits, theaters, and shops open their doors to act as ambassadors for the local arts community. These generous entities share their works, wares, and wonders with a curious public, usually without asking for anything in return. It’s an amazing way to meet the individuals fueling the local arts scene, while also enjoying neighborly conversation, free music, and refreshments.
In the words of Rochester Contemporary Arts Center, which initiated and administers the event…
First Friday is a monthly citywide gallery night that encourages collaboration between art venues in Rochester, NY. This initiative showcases area artists and smaller arts institutions by promoting the First Friday evening of each month from 6-9pm as a community night for experiencing art. First Friday ensures a healthy art scene and a healthy city through regular exchange between venues, artists, and patrons.
Always Be Exploring!
While visiting dozens of new places might sound daunting, it also poses an exciting challenge. It means there’s something new to explore every single month, no matter how ambitious your itinerary on any given Friday. First Friday will keep you on your toes, consistently exposing you to new personalities, ideas, and artistic mediums. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from the city, count on First Friday to pull out of your comfort zone and renew your respect for Rochester’s local culture.