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OUR COMMUNITY ART EXPLORATIONS

Arts Day is the Student Arts Foundation’s signature annual event, bringing 80–150 youth and families together for a day of hands-on workshops, performances, and activities. Partner organizations such as the Memorial Art Gallery, Flower City Arts, Geva Theatre Center, Local Sound Collaborative, and Hochstein Music & Dance help introduce students to new art forms and experiences.

For many, Arts Day is their first connection to Rochester’s arts community. The inspiration sparked here often leads to deeper opportunities supported by SAF’s Scholarships, Community Art Subsidy Program, Mentorship Program, and Program Registry, ensuring that interest can grow into long-term engagement.

Arts Day makes Rochester’s arts community more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all youth, regardless of income or background.
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OUR MENTORING PROGRAM

Student Arts Foundation Mentorship Program connects youth with artists, educators, and community leaders who guide them as they explore and grow in the arts. Mentorship goes beyond a single workshop or event—it provides ongoing support, encouragement, and direction as students develop their skills and discover future possibilities.

Through one-on-one guidance and group connections, mentors help students identify opportunities in education, internships, and career pathways. Whether it’s preparing for college applications, learning from professional artists, or gaining hands-on experience through shadowing and internships, our mentors ensure that students have the tools and confidence to take the next step.

By fostering relationships rooted in creativity, support, and access, the Mentorship Program transforms early sparks of interest into lasting passions and prepares youth for meaningful futures in the arts—whether as professional artists, educators, or community leaders.

OUR COMMUNITY ARTS SUBSIDY PROGRAM

The Community Art Subsidy Program helps remove the financial barriers that prevent students from fully participating in Rochester’s arts opportunities. Through this program, SAF covers partial or full costs for arts camps, classes, workshops, and performances, ensuring that no young person misses out due to family income.

Subsidies are often awarded after students and families discover new interests at our annual Community Art Explorations (Arts Day) or through our Program Registry, which connects families to local cultural organizations. This support makes it possible for students to continue exploring their passions with partners such as the Memorial Art Gallery, Hochstein Music & Dance, Flower City Arts Center, Geva Theatre Center, and Local Sound Collaborative.

By reducing cost barriers, SAF empowers students to deepen their creativity, build confidence, and pursue meaningful arts experiences that can lead to lifelong passions or even careers in the arts.
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OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Student Arts Foundation Scholarship Program supports high school students in grades 9–12 who aspire to pursue arts-related degrees in college. These scholarships help ensure that financial barriers do not limit creative potential.

With the generosity of donors, board members, and volunteers, SAF has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to Rochester-area students. Beyond financial aid, recipients also benefit from mentorship and connections to community resources, helping them succeed academically and artistically.

By investing in students today, SAF fosters the next generation of artists, educators, and cultural leaders who will enrich our community for years to come.