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Established · Since 2014

Arts Day & Community Arts Experiences

One day, many art forms. Arts Day brings young people together with local arts organizations, teaching artists, and community partners to explore, create, and discover what's next.

Who it's for
Rochester-area youth and students
Next Arts Day
Date to be announced
Registration
Opens when the date is announced
What it is

Try something new, with people who do it for a living.

Arts Day is SAF's signature initiative. It brings multiple arts experiences together in one event, so young people can explore different forms of creativity, work alongside artists and educators, and discover opportunities available throughout the community.

A culminating showcase can give participants a chance to celebrate and share what they made.

Activities have included

  • Clay & ceramics
  • Drawing & painting
  • Creative design
  • Dance
  • Music & instruments
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Robotics & STEAM
Young musicians playing guitar together at Arts Day 2026
Arts Day
History

A Rochester tradition since 2014.

More than 400 students served since SAF began, with 100 to 150 young people taking part in Arts Day each year.

  1. 2014

    SAF hosts its first Arts Day.

  2. Venues

    Arts Day takes place at the School of the Arts, School Without Walls, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

  3. Pandemic

    Arts Day pauses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  4. 2026

    Arts Day returns to the School of the Arts on April 25 with hands-on workshops in clay, music, dance, photography, and more, ending in a stage showcase with partner organizations.

For parents & guardians

What families should know.

When is the next Arts Day?

The next date hasn't been announced yet. Sign up for the newsletter and we'll let you know when registration opens.

Who can attend?

Arts Day is designed for Rochester-area young people. Age or grade details will be posted with each event.

Add confirmed age/grade range and any eligibility notes.

Does it cost anything?

Cost details are shared with each event announcement. If cost is a concern for any SAF opportunity, please contact us.

Confirm whether Arts Day is free to attend.

Do parents stay during the event?

Supervision details are shared with registration.

Add drop-off, supervision, photo consent, and accessibility details.

Is the event accessible?

We want every young person to be able to take part. Please tell us about any accommodations your child needs when you register or by contacting us.

Bring Arts Day to life

Arts Day depends on partners, volunteers, and sponsors.

  • Arts organizations & teaching artists: lead a hands-on experience. Get in touch
  • Volunteers: help set up, welcome families, and support young artists. Volunteer
  • Sponsors: help underwrite the event. Sponsor Arts Day
Gallery

Moments from Arts Day 2026.

More photos & stories

Stay in the loop

Arts Day dates, new opportunities, and application openings.

Sign up for the newsletter

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