Our Mission
MISSION
Our organization is dedicated to enriching the Rochester metropolitan area through a multifaceted approach that integrates education, cultural engagement, and business support for local artists. We foster creativity and development by providing opportunities for artists to grow and thrive, while also utilizing the visual arts as a powerful tool for promoting wellness, cultural understanding, and community connection.
Education is at the core of our mission. We are committed to cultivating a love for the arts through accessible programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities led by skilled teaching artists. These teaching artists, who represent a wide range of disciplines and experiences, play a pivotal role in inspiring participants of all ages to explore their creative potential and develop both technical and interpersonal skills.
In alignment with our dedication to diversity and inclusion, we proudly provide low-cost studio space specifically tailored to support Black American creatives. By empowering artists from all backgrounds, we aim to contribute to the vibrant artistic landscape of our city while nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Through this holistic approach, we strive to build a stronger, more inclusive arts community that prioritizes both individual growth and collective impact.
VISION
In general, it serves as a hub for cross-cultural dialogue and accessibility to the visual arts by fostering the development of community-minded artists.
9 CORE VALUES
Education
We strive to make arts education more accessible, particularly for people in the Black American community in Rochester.
Giving Voice
We strive to encourage artists to learn to speak the language of art. In addition to this, we are presenting artists with the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
Exhibition
The 9th Floor Artists Collective provides a space for Rochester-based artists who have never or rarely been provided the opportunity to display their works publicly. These opportunities have thus far introduced many very talented artists to the art community and function as a liaison between collectors, art buyers, and many other art institutions in our community.
Wellness
Black male mental health and wellness are a major part of our core values where we facilitate open programming focused on healing and support. In addition, we provide a space for all creatives to find mindfulness, creativity, and support.
Creative Opportunities
We will host a variety of educational opportunities with classes that focus on everything from basic, intermediate, and advanced painting classes. Many of our culturally based painting experiences include art history that explores the Black American contributions to contemporary art as well as the pre-colonial African aesthetic.
Community Building
We have open discussion forums, business development workshops for creatives, and networking events that focus on bringing together members of Rochester’s creative communities for the purpose of strengthening our overall status as creative entrepreneurs.
Equity
We believe in equity in the arts. Artists should be fairly compensated for their works and time. We promote these ideas among artists and encourage art institutions to do the same.
Social Responsibility
We promote the intersectionality of art and activism, and we have a responsibility to uphold our role in our city as artists and chroniclers of the spirit of Rochester.
Entrepreneurial Education
We empower artists by equipping them with the skills essential for active engagement in the artists' economy. Through our classes and resources, we promote the business of selling artwork, while our low-cost studio spaces provide a practical environment for artists to hone their craft and showcase their creations, fostering entrepreneurial growth.
Summary
The 9th Floor Artists Collective is providing educational and inspirational resources for the Rochester community so that they can use their talents, hone their creative skills, and collaborate to enhance the cultural landscape of Rochester, NY. We are also an organization that expands the culture of artistic expression by combining wellness and creativity as a vehicle for finding peace and rejuvenated creativity.
