About

ArtAwake is a one-day festival of creativity that brings life to a vacant urban space in Rochester, NY.

ArtAwake seeks to unite the community – from college students to families and young professionals to senior citizens – to facilitate interaction and discussion that will lead to creative solutions for Rochester’s unused spaces, for its creative community, and ultimately for the future of its downtown. We will create an innovative and interactive festival that repurposes a vacant urban space through the exhibition of local artists, musicians, dancers, videographers, designers, businesses, and technologies. After 3 successful annual festivals, ArtAwake has totaled over 5,000 attendees and has featured over 500 pieces by 300+ artists, performances by 50+ groups, delicious local foods, and a myriad of interactive exhibits.

The 5th Annual ArtAwake will take place on Saturday, April 21st 2012 from 3pm – 1am!

Walri performs at ArtAwake 2008Music Performances

Fall into a deep reggae groove, do the robot with Rochester’s best DJ’s, and headbang to our city’s hardest rockers. When you get tired, there will be plenty of classical, folk, and jazz to sit back and enjoy…

Art Gallery at ArtAwake 2010Artwork

Discover a plethora of works by local artists from photography to painting and sculpture to fashion. Explore innovative technologies, fashions, sustainable art, and architecture.

Sustainable BikeInteractive Exhibits

Paint on live models, play and record your own music with PVC pipe creations, design and submit a work for ROCO’s 6x6x2011 exhibit. Who knows what you may find? And you may even make some new friends…

DrawingWorkshops & Special Events

Sign up for workshops led by teachers from the MAG and by other local artists and musicians. These will be perfect for all ages and levels of experience, and will be especially great for children and teens.

Food & Drink

Enjoy free delicious foods, culinary art, and refreshments from local establishments.  A wine tasting will take place from 4-6pm and high quality local beers and wines will be available for purchase until 10:00pm.

Station 55History

ArtAwake is a groundbreaking collaboration between college students and the community. It was honored in 2009 as the ‘Student Driven Program of the Year’ by the ACUI and was recently a final round contendor for City’s ‘Best of Rochester’ award.

ArtAwake 2011 LeadershipLeadership

Founded in 2007, ArtAwake was developed by a group of entrepreneurial students at the University of Rochester. It is organized by a team of driven volunteer leaders who strive to break new ground and deliver an incredible festival each year.

Sponsors

ArtAwake is only possible through the support of a myriad of organizations and businesses from around the community. Please visit our sponsors and thank them for supporting ArtAwake!