Western New York Cultural Sites
African American Cultural Center"The African-American Cultural Center offers instruction and training in African-American History, African Dance, Drama (children, young adults/adults, and juvenile delinquent), Ceramics, Reading/Math, and Conga/African Drumming. We house an African/World Studies Archives (resource library), The Paul Robeson Theatre, African Dance and Drum Performing Troupe, and a Childrens' African Dance and Drum Performing Troupe." [qtd. from http://www2.pcom.net/aacc/page2.html]
"Founded in 1980 by Executive Director Neal Radice, Alleyway Theatre is Western New York's only company dedicated to the development and production of new plays and musicals. The season runs from September to May during which time the company presents four to five premiere works, educational workshops, the annual Maxim Mazumdar New Play Competition, plus annual productions of Buffalo Quickies (a festival of one-act plays), and our two annual holiday presentations: A Christmas Carol, and The Road To Bethlehem." [qtd. from http://alleyway.com/alleyway/]
The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County
"The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County exists to nurture and advance all artistic disciplines by encouraging participation in the arts by all segments of the community. The Arts Council is the primary advocate for the arts, and is dedicated to promoting the cultural industry within Buffalo and Erie County." [qtd. from http://www.artscouncilbuffalo.org/who_we_are/]
"A multidisciplinary laboratory for emerging and established artists." [qtd. from http://www.bigorbitgallery.com/index.html]
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
"When visiting the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens you can actually see three historic attractions in one: Olmsted's South Park, the 1899 tri-domed glass conservatory building, and the Victorian-style gardens of plants (both 'Gardens Under Glass' and 'Gardens Under the Sky')." [qtd. from http://www.buffalogardens.com/]
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
"We're here for you, as collectors and preservers of the artifacts and records of Western New York history, so that generations to come may understand themselves and this region better for our efforts." [qtd. from http://www.bechs.org/welcome/welcome-frm.html]
Site for the School of Architecture and Planning's Buffalo Architecture. "Few cities in North America can boast of the fine architecture to be experienced in Buffalo. [. . .] If you plan on pursuing a degree in Architecture or Planning, or just have an interest in these subjects, come to Buffalo and be inspired." [qtd. from http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/buffarch/buffarch.htm]
"The Buffalo Ensemble Theatre promotes standards of theatrical excellence, and the skills of the area's artists, through high-quality performances of new and classic drama. The Buffalo Ensemble Theatre's diverse core group builds bridges with other cultural organizations and provides opportunities for local artists and playwrights." [qtd. from http://www.buffalotheater.com/theatres/bet/splash.htm]
"The Buffalo Museum of Science, through collections, research, education and interpretation, provides opportunities for all people to develop a scientific understanding of he natural and cultural world with an emphasis on the Greater Niagara Region. The Museum challenges everyone to use their knowledge of science to enhance respect for each other and the environment." [qtd. from http://www.sciencebuff.org/info.html#mission]
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
"Perhaps the Orchestra's greatest accomplishment is its contribution to the artistic life of Western New York, made possible by more than six decades of support from its dedicated patrons. The Orchestra has performed over a thousand Youth Concerts for more than two million students on the Niagara Frontier as well as many concerts at campuses across the United States. The Philharmonic averages more than 100 community performances each year bringing orchestral music to audiences throughout the region." [qtd. from http://www.bpo.org/history.php]
Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
"Many pieces of memorabilia are on display to take you back to a time when Buffalo was a booming industrial center and the Pierce-Arrow automobile was ahead of its time." [qtd. from http://www.pierce-arrow.com/grand%20opening.htm]
"We are very proud to have brought some of the most challenging theater to Buffalo, and to be able to claim a number of firsts for our area. Some highlights include: The Boys in the Band, Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove, Ten Percent Revue, The Baltimore Waltz, Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love, Poor Super Man, Jeffrey, and Love! Valour! Compassion!" [qtd. from http://buffalobua.org/]
"The Buffalo Zoological Gardens is the nation’s third oldest zoo. Located in 23.5 acres of beautiful Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoo exhibits a diverse collection of wild and exotic animals, and more than 320 different species of plants. Animals on exhibit include the lowland gorilla troop, rhinoceros, hyenas, polar bears, and many more. Open year-round, the Zoo is a constant source of both education and entertainment for individuals and families throughout Western New York." [qtd. from http://www.buffalozoo.org/]
"The Burchfield-Penney Art Center is a regional arts museum that is a part of a leading public urban college. The Burchfield-Penney serves as a significant cultural resource for Buffalo State College, the total Western New York community, and the nation. The Burchfield-Penney collects, conserves, exhibits, and interprets the achievements of distinguished artists who live or have lived in Western New York, most notably Charles E. Burchfield, to whom the museum is dedicated." [qtd. from http://www.burchfield-penney.org/about/index.html]
Castellani Art Museum (Niagara Falls)
"Visitors to the museum will find a diverse and challenging permanent collection of over 3,000 artworks. The collection ranges from the Hudson River School landscapes of Jasper Francis Cropsey and Albert Bierstadt to 20th century vanguard constructions by Louise Nevelson and Robert Rauschenburg. Contemporary works by Susan Rothenberg, Arnold Mesches, Judy Pfaff, Roger Brown, and others provide an energetic survey of the major movements in today's art world, while a substantial Pre-Columbian collection offers a glimpse into past civilizations. The museum houses some fine examples of contemporary sculpture, as well as outstanding drawing, photography, and print collections." [qtd. from http://www.niagara.edu/cam/museum/museum.html#about]
"CEPA is a not-for-profit arts center founded in 1974 as a resource for photographic creation, education, and presentation. CEPA provides a context for understanding the aesthetic, cultural, and political intersections of photo-related art as it is produced in our diverse society. The gallery supports, encourages, and funds the projects of both established and emergent visual artists, and is committed to supporting artists from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in cultural spaces." [qtd. from http://cepa.buffnet.net/info/INFO.mission.html]
"The Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre educational center beside Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, where approximately 7,500 persons are in residence on any day during a nine- week season, and a total of over 142,000 attend scheduled public events. Over 8,000 students enroll annually in the Chautauqua Summer Schools which offer courses in art, music, dance, theater, writing skills and a wide variety of special interests." [qtd. from http://www.chautauqua-inst.org/history.html]
George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film (Rochester)
"George Eastman House collects and interprets images, films, literature, and equipment in the disciplines of photography and motion pictures--and it cares for the George Eastman legacy collections--to inspire discovery and learning for a regional, national, and international audience." [qtd. from http://www.eastman.org/1_geninfo/1_index.htm]
El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera
"El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera is the area's only nonprofit arts organization dedicated to the exhibition of fine art by Latin-American, African-American, and other artists of color." [qtd. from http://www.buffalo.com/elmuseobuffalo/]
"Situated on a 70-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie, Graycliff stands as an architectural jewel awaiting your discovery. Built between 1926 and 1927, Graycliff was designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Isabelle R. Martin and her husband, Larkin Company executive Darwin D. Martin. Set on a scenic 8.4 acre estate, the two-story, 6,500 square-foot house served as the Martins' summer home from 1928 to the mid-1940's." [qtd. from http://graycliff.bfn.org/history.html]
"Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center is a multi-disciplinary arts center in Buffalo, NY which for over 25 years has presented contemporary art to audiences in the Western New York region. Hallwalls' mission is to support the creation and presentation of new work in the visual, media, performing, and literary arts. Hallwalls is dedicated in particular to work by artists which challenges and extends the boundaries of the various art forms, and which is critically engaged with current issues in the arts and, through the arts, in society. In the past 20 years, Hallwalls has presented the work of over 7,000 artists from around the world." [qtd. from http://www.hallwalls.org/about.html]
"Now entering its 10th Anniversary Season, the ICTC has produced more than 60 diverse plays to great critical and public acclaim, and has received more awards for artistic excellence and placed first in audience surveys more often than any other theatre company in the region." [qtd. from http://www.irishclassicaltheatre.com/history.html]
Karpeles Manuscript Library and Museum
With branches in Charleston, Duluth, Jacksonville, Newburgh, Santa Barbara, Tacoma, and Buffalo, "The Karpeles Library is the world's largest private holding of important original manuscripts & documents. The archives include Literature, Science, Religion, History and Art. Among the treasures are .... the original draft of the Bill of Rights of the United States, the original manuscript of 'The Wedding March,' Einstein's description of his Theory of Relativity, The 'Thanksgiving Proclamation' signed by George Washington, Roget's Thesaurus, Webster's Dictionary and over one million more." [qtd. from http://www.rain.org/%7Ekarpeles/index.html]
"The unique architectural treasure that is the home of The Kavinoky Theatre was originally built in 1908, when D’Youville College received its charter of incorporation. Called simply and affectionately 'The Auditorium,' its intimate charm and understated elegance made it a magnetic gathering place for recitals, concerts, convocations, lectures, and assemblies." [qtd. from http://www.dyc.edu/kavinoky/history.html]
"The Darwin D. Martin House Complex is Frank Lloyd Wright's most extensive Prairie House ever. Only once in Wright's 72-year career as a practicing architect did he have the opportunity to design - as an integrated whole composition - a multi-structure complex interwoven into a richly designed landscape." [qtd. from http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/news/news-frm.html]
Memorial Art Gallery (Rochester)
"A visit to the Memorial Art Gallery is a journey through more than 5,000 years of art history. From the relics of antiquity to works in the vanguard of contemporary movements, the Gallery offers a panorama of the world's art. The Gallery's permanent collectionof more than 10,000 objects has been called the best balanced in the state outside of metropolitan New York City. In addition to its collection, the Gallery offers a year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, toursand family activities." [qtd. from http://www.rochester.edu/MAG/facts.htm#introduction]
Rochester Museum and Science Center
The RMSC features a museum, a planetarium, and a nature center.
"Shakespeare in Delaware Park is the country's second most successful outdoor Shakespeare festival in terms of audience. Only one other free Shakespeare festival draws more than Buffalo, and that is New York City's. Even if the list is broadened to include paid attendance, Buffalo ranks third in the country." [qtd. from http://www.thebard.org/]
"Shea's Performing Arts Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to a tradition of bringing the very best in entertainment to the Niagara Region. As the region's largest venue for world class live theatrical entertainment, Shea's performances include Broadway shows, concerts, dance programs, opera and programs for young audiences and families, as well as free classic movies." [qtd. from http://www.sheas.org/site/live/pages/page68.cfm]
"Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources supports and promotes the creation of film, video, and digital/computer art by independent and community media makers in Buffalo and Western NY. We provide affordable access to media production equipment along with related information and education. Promotion of independent work through local screenings, touring programs, public access cable programming, production services, installations, online networking and publications involves extensive community interaction to develop broader and more diverse audiences and producers." [qtd. from http://www.squeaky.org/squeakywheel.html]
"Strong Museum, the nation's leading hands-on history center for families and children, is located in downtown Rochester, New York." [qtd. from http://www.strongmuseum.org/general/general.html]
"Studio Arena Theatre builds, sustains and enriches a sense of community by producing plays that actively engage its audience in the performance, by producing plays that are about the Western New York community and by bringing to its stage issues of importance to our community. Studio Arena Theatre is committed to the highest level of quality in production." [qtd. from http://www.studioarena.org/theatre.asp]
"Theatre of Youth is a professional company of adult actors who perform for young audiences. 'There is a need in the lives of young people to hear stories that speak directly to them - stories that explore through the powerful art of theatre, the wonders and worries of growing up. Our plays fill that need,' says Artistic Director Meg Quinn." [qtd. from http://www.buffalo.com/TOY/]
David K. Anderson gifted the Anderson Gallery to the University at Buffalo in 2000. Located on Martha Jackson Place, the gallery serves as UB's museum, with over 8,250 square feet of exhibition space and a stunning glass atrium. The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier awarded the renovation "for exemplary adaptive restoration of a historic building." The museum is the site for UB's Collection and Museum Studies Program and provides an exciting environment for the exploration and study of art works and museum processes.
"The Department of Art evolved from the prestigious Albright Art School, which joined the University at Buffalo in 1954. The fusion of a respect for the great historic traditions as the basis for artistic education, as exemplified by the classic art school, and the intellectual rigor and experimental bent of a major research university has produced an unsurpassable environment for the growth and maturation of highly skilled and enlightened practitioners in the visual arts. The Fine Art programs at UB are some of the most comprehensive programs available in the State University of New York system." [qtd. from http://www.art.buffalo.edu/aboutUBart/index.html]
"While the primary mission of the Gallery, situated within a research university, was to present exhibitions featuring current artistic practice, the Gallery was also designed to function as a crossroad for all academic departments and individual faculty interested in visual art and culture." [qtd. from http://ubartgalleries.buffalo.edu/DirectorComments.html]
"The Center For The Arts shall present a wide range of high quality performing arts and visual arts for the university, the State and the region, and enhance and augment the academic activities of the fine and performing arts departments at the University at Buffalo. Through its facilities and programs, the Center For The Arts shall play a significant role in accomplishing the mission of the university, presenting enriched educational and cultural opportunities through university performances, state and regional events, and national and international touring productions and exhibits. The Center For The Arts shall also function as a multi-purpose facility, providing an appropriate setting for University and community events." [qtd. from http://wings.buffalo.edu/arts/html/mission_statement.html]
"Ujima Company, Inc. serves to advance the interest and exposureof the performing arts as created and interpreted by African-Americans,by providing working opportunities for established artists and training experience for student artists. Ujima Company, Inc. is the only professional theatre company in all of Western New York dedicated to the development and presentation of work by African-American and other Third World artists.Of all the theatre companies in Buffalo, Ujima supports the longest standing acting ensemble. Ujima is among the most heralded and awarded arts organizations in the region, and was the first theatre company to receive the Outstanding Arts Organization award given by the Greater Buffalo Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County." [qtd. from http://www.ujimatheatre.org/pages/ujima_home.html]
"The mission of Upstage New York is to offer an inspiring theatrical experience that blends professional, amateur, and student performers to produce theater of distinction and vision that enriches the community." [qtd. from http://www.buffalo.com/upstage/]
© 2002 Albright-Knox Art Gallery