Artist Reception & Celebration: Friday, Sept. 23

(Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022) – “Afrofuturism,” an exhibit curated by The 9th Floor Artist Collective Creative Director and CFO Rashad Parker, is on display at the City Hall Link Gallery through Sept. 30.

The exhibit focuses on the central theme of Afrofuturism, a cultural aesthetic, and philosophy of science and history that explores the intersection of the African diaspora culture with science and technology. It addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through techno culture and speculative fiction, encompassing a range of media and artists with a shared interest in envisioning Black futures that stem from Afro-diasporic experiences. The term was coined in 1993 by Mark Dery, an American cultural critic and explored in the late 1990s through conversations led by Alondra Nelson.

“Many of Rochester’s local artists of color have not had the opportunity to professionally exhibit their art, which is just one reason why spaces like the Link Gallery are important,” said Parker. “I am grateful to Mayor Evans for supporting the growth of the arts in Rochester and for keeping the Link Gallery a public space for local artists and art lovers alike.”

An Artist Reception will take place at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23 at City Hall, 30 Church St.

The 9th Floor Artists Collective provides educational and inspirational resources for the Rochester community so that they can use their talents, hone their creative skills, and collaborate to enhance the cultural landscape of Rochester, NY. They are an organization that expands the culture of artistic expression by combining art, wellness, and social responsibility to use as a channel for community engagement, internal peace, and the rejuvenation of creativity.

The City of Rochester values the visual arts as an educational and aesthetic experience. More importantly, the City sees local art as part of the culture of this region. With this in mind, the Link Gallery, established 1981, promotes the art and art culture of the area. The Gallery, located at 30 Church Street on the first floor of City Hall in the corridor connecting Building A to Building B, is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Link Gallery is free, handicapped accessible, and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/linkgallery.