The Harley School Champions LGBTQ+ Youth Art as Student Gallery Sponsor at Rochester Queer Arts Festival
The Rochester Queer Arts Festival is thrilled to announce The Harley School as the official Student Gallery Sponsor for this year's event. This partnership highlights Harley's unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and its dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and the broader community in Rochester.
A Legacy of Inclusivity and Purpose
Founded in 1917, The Harley School is a private, independent institution in Rochester, NY, offering a college preparatory program for students from Nursery through Grade 12. With a mission to prepare students to lead lives of great purpose, Harley emphasizes a diverse, inclusive community of learners rooted in empathy, strengthened by challenge and exploration, and emboldened to act with care for each other and the world.
Student-Led DEI Initiatives
Harley's commitment to DEI is evident in its curriculum and student organizations. The school offers DEI-focused courses beginning in Grade 6, which delve into topics like race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexuality, encouraging students to understand and engage with these concepts on both personal and structural levels.
Additionally, student-led groups like Students of Color plus Allies (SOCA) provide spaces for students to discuss and address issues related to race, gender, and sexuality. These groups foster an environment of inclusivity and support, allowing students to process and respond to societal challenges collectively.
Community Engagement and Support for the Arts
Beyond its campus, The Harley School actively participates in community events that promote the arts and support the LGBTQ+ community. Notably, Harley has been recognized as a sponsor of the Rochester Fringe Festival, which celebrates diverse artistic expressions, including those from LGBTQ+ artists.
The school's involvement in such events underscores its role as a community leader in promoting inclusivity and supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives.
The Student Gallery at the Rochester Queer Arts Festival
The Student Gallery is a cornerstone of the Rochester Queer Arts Festival, providing a platform for young artists to showcase their creativity and perspectives. Open to students of all backgrounds, the gallery aims to celebrate queer creativity and community by amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.
Submission Details:
Eligibility: Open to all students interested in expressing themes related to queer identity, community, and creativity.
Mediums Accepted: Visual arts, including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, and digital art.
Submission Deadline: [Insert Deadline Here](Queer Arts Festival)
How to Submit: Visit queerartsfest.com/student-gallery for submission guidelines and forms.
Selected artworks will be displayed during the festival, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with the community and celebrate their artistic contributions.
A Model for Educational Institutions
The Harley School's sponsorship of the Student Gallery sets a precedent for how educational institutions can actively support and uplift LGBTQ+ youth. By fostering environments that celebrate diversity and encourage authentic expression, schools can play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Harley School for their unwavering support and commitment to celebrating queer creativity and community. Their partnership enriches the Rochester Queer Arts Festival and provides invaluable opportunities for young artists to shine.
For more information about The Harley School and their programs, visit harleyschool.org.
