Celebrating the Start of a Transformative Year with the Project RISE Grant

Jan 8

We are thrilled to announce that the 9th Floor Artists Collective has been awarded the Project RISE grant, part of Governor Hochul’s $28 million initiative to combat gun violence and increase opportunities for youth across New York State. This incredible support allows us to further our mission of enriching the Rochester metropolitan area through education, cultural engagement, and fostering the growth of local artists.

Our innovative program, which uses art as a vehicle to teach life skills, is off to an exciting and impactful start. In January, we kicked off 2025 with an inspiring trip to the AKG Gallery in Buffalo, allowing participants to immerse themselves in world-class art and ignite their creative curiosity. This experience set the tone for the year. It highlighted the transformative power of art to broaden perspectives and foster personal growth.

The heart of our programming lies in our weekly workshops hosted at the 9th Floor Artists Collective in collaboration with Teen Empowerment. These workshops unite at-risk youth with skilled teaching artists who guide them in using visual arts to explore communication, collaboration, and self-expression. By merging artistic practice with life skills development, we cultivate an environment where creativity is used a tool for resilience, empowerment, communicating ideas, and connection.

Education is central to everything we do. At the 9th Floor Artists Collective, we believe in the power of accessible programs and mentoring opportunities to inspire participants of all ages. Our teaching artists, who bring thier unique lived experiences and disciplines to the table, are essential to this process. They help participants hone their technical and interpersonal skills and foster a love for the arts that will carry them forward in lives, careers, and beyond.

Aligned with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, our studio spaces continue to support Black American creatives, providing a platform for their voices to flourish within our community's vibrant artistic landscape. This dedication to empowering artists from all backgrounds underscores our belief that art has the potential to build a stronger, more inclusive society.

The Project RISE grant enables us to amplify our efforts and expand the reach of our programming. With each workshop, mentoring session, and artistic endeavor, we strive to create a ripple effect that benefits our participants and the broader Rochester community.

We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to a very special year. Please stay connected with us for updates on our journey and the inspiring stories of growth, creativity, and community that emerge along the way.

Visit our website to learn more about our programs and mission: 9th Floor Artists Collective.

— Y. Shabazz