Photographers sought for City’s 'How We ROC' program

As part of its new How We ROC program, the City of Rochester is seeking six talented photographers with a unique, local vision and a passion for Rochester to reveal the visual story of the diverse community engagement on display at City major special events.

Selected photographers will be provided expanded-access media credentials for at least six City-sponsored concerts, festivals and other special celebrations to submit 10 to 15 images from each event for promotional use. 

The photographers will be provided an opportunity to curate a photography exhibit in the City Hall Link Gallery using their medium to offer visitors a captivating glimpse ‘through their lenses’ at the vibrancy and vitality on display when Rochester's distinct communities gather to celebrate special events.

Major special events to be photographed include the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Party in the Park series, and the Carifest Parade and Festival.

“Access to inspiration is vital for increasing creativity, and in our city of and for the arts, the commitment to equity extends to all our efforts, including all art mediums,” said Mayor Evans. “The How We ROC program exemplifies our dedication to providing creatives with the opportunities they need to thrive. We look forward to seeing our vibrant city through the lenses of these talented local photographers.”

To support this creative journey, the City of Rochester will provide photographers a one-year media pass to major City events and $1,500 to support their services and exhibit production. This program offers artists valuable opportunities to showcase their work, broaden their network, and engage directly with Rochester’s many communities and neighborhoods.

Interested photographers should submit their application in response to the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP) by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. Applications must include a photography portfolio containing 5-10 photos in JPEG or PNG format, and a single PDF document containing a resume, project statement, and community engagement statement.

An exhibit featuring the work of pilot How We ROC photographers Rajae “Onis Visuals” Barnes-Wright and Allison “AAM Photo” McDonald will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at the City Hall Link Gallery, 30 Church St. 

Visit www.cityofrochester.gov/Arts to review the RFP and submit an application. Interested photographers can direct questions to City Communications Aide Rey Antoine at ReyJeanne.Antoine@CityofRochester.gov by 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. All answers will be posted on the How We ROC web page by Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.