Area Activity Guide: First Friday Rochester
April 2017
Did you come here for the art?
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. If you’re not sure how to find them or break into that scene, we have an opportunity to share with you. It’s known as First Friday Rochester.
Discover your city.
Every single month, dozens of galleries, studios, non-profits, theaters, and shops (actually, the count is now nearing 100) 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.