GEVA-PLAY: This initiative brings artistic expression, cultural understanding, and the discipline of the performing arts into the lives of 16,000 students. P.L.A.Y. includes Student matinees, Discovery Study Guides, In-School Discovery Workshops, Post-Show talkbacks with actors, teacher workshops, and post-show artists’ visits to classrooms.

Memorial Art Gallery – Expanded Learning Collaboration: The MAG-RCSD Expanded Learning Collaboration (ELC) is an on-site partnership program between MAG and the Rochester City School District that serves about 475 students from RCSD elementary schools #23, #29, and #45. The students visit MAG once a week for an 8–10-week period during the school year to engage in a series of curriculum-based hands-on and in-gallery experiences that reinforce classroom learning, encourage positive behaviors, and provide access to arts and cultural resources. MAG-RCSD Expanded Learning Collaboration (ELC) is an on-site partnership program between MAG and the Rochester City School District that serves about 475 students from RCSD elementary schools #23, #29, and #45. The students visit MAG once a week for an 8–10-week period during the school year to engage in a series of curriculum-based hands-on and in-gallery experiences that reinforce classroom learning, encourage positive behaviors, and provide access to arts and cultural resources.

Flower City Arts Center – Youth Photography/Studio 678: Studio 678 is not a typical afterschool program for kids. For twenty-four weeks and over 100 hours each school year, thirty 6th-8th graders from the Rochester City School District’s Wilson Foundation Academy are partnered with professional artists and teachers at the Flower City Arts Center’s Photography Program. Using cameras and photographic principles and processes as tools, Studio 678 provides interdisciplinary, creative programming in a safe and engaging environment. Students experience a true integration of arts and academics as they use science, math, social studies, writing, and technology skills and concepts in real-world applications to create their own portfolios of photography, poetry, and prose. Each year, Studio 678 provides students with over forty off-site photo-field trips in the Rochester community, a group exhibition at Rochester City Hall’s Link Gallery, a professionally published book of their photographs and writings, and possibly most significantly, unique mentorship relationships with professional adults during the critical afterschool hours. More than 87% of Studio 678’s participants graduate from high school on time, compared to fewer than 45% of their school district peers.

Borinquen Dance Theatre – Self-Development and Dance Program: Funding provides constructive after-school programming that addresses: education, economic self-sufficiency, physical/emotional health, access to arts for underserved youth. The program includes guidance for preventive knowledge in juvenile delinquency, obesity, pregnancy, and other challenges often associated with urban living for young people. As a primary source of culturally sensitive education, Borinquen fills a void that expands with the Hispanic population’s rapid growth. Program outcomes include the transfer of acquired skills to academic, career, and real-life success; connect program participants with workforce opportunities; provide participants with more access to arts resources and middle-class experiences; and, expand the audience and appreciation for history culture of Puerto Rico.

William Warfield Scholarship Fund – WWSF’s Classical Vocal Competition for African American High School Students: After the example of its namesake, the great American bass-baritone, educator, and mentor, the William Warfield Scholarship Fund enables African American classical vocalists to advance their art at the high school, college or conservatory level. African Americans have long been under-represented in classical music, especially in the field of traditional vocal performance. The first William Warfield Scholarship Fund Classical Vocal Competition for African American High School Students was held on October 19, 2019, in Rochester, NY. Finalists compete for three cash prizes before national-level artists, receive coaching, and become connected to teachers and resources to help them sustain their progress. This initiative provides students with cash support for formal training (the first for some applicants), audition preparation, music and practice time, connections, and essential guidance from highly experienced artists and voice teachers.

Gateways Music Festival, Inc. – 2020 Gateways Music Festival: The 2020 Festival, which will take place from October 13-17, will focus on chamber music and feature three select chamber music ensembles. The ensembles will perform throughout the City of Rochester, including a 3-day residency with ROCmusic and the Rochester City School District. In addition, to live performances, the Festival will also include a lecture on black women composers and the 19th Amendment, a screening of the film Lush Life about the life of composer/arranger Billy Strayhorn, and a concert featuring Rochester area professional classical musicians of African descent. The 2020 guest artists are the GRAMMY-nominated Imani Winds. One of the Gateways’ long-standing goals has been to become an annual festival, so this year’s plan is an essential milestone in highlighting African American classical musicians’ contributions.