Arts Services Inc. - ASI

05/27/2026

We are so excited to introduce our newest Arts Access partner, The Buffalo Heritage Carousel!

Your Arts Access Pass Includes:
$1 carousel rides. The carousel is wheelchair accessible. Quiet rides are every Sunday 11 am - 12 pm or upon request.

How to Reserve:
No advanced registration required. Must present pass upon arrival.

At the heart, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel honors the past and powers the future - preserving a historic, locally made and restored carousel as a living work of art and cultural attraction, driven by renewable solar energy. They create joyful, inclusive experiences that advance local arts and culture, impact public health, foster connection, and inspire community pride.

Their vision is to be the beacon of joy, education, and hope on Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront, as they pay homage to the region’s history of leadership in renewable energy, carousel manufacturing, and historic preservation, and promote a clean, sustainable future by demonstrating the use of our solar roof to power the Carousel.

Be sure to visit them this summer, their Summer Season begins Memorial Day Weekend and goes through Labor Day weekend. Visit their website for hours!

05/25/2026

Long weekend, fresh opps ☀️

05/20/2026

Arts Access Partner Spotlight: Alleyway Theatre

We’re excited to highlight Alleyway Theatre, a cornerstone of Buffalo’s vibrant arts community.

Located in the heart of Buffalo, Alleyway Theatre is dedicated to producing bold, original works and reimagined classics that spark conversation and reflect the world around us. Their commitment to storytelling creates space for diverse voices, making theatre more accessible, relevant, and deeply connected to the community.

Through their partnership in Arts Access, Alleyway Theatre helps ensure that live performance isn’t a luxury, but a shared experience for all. By opening their doors to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers, they are helping to build a more inclusive and inspired Buffalo.

05/19/2026

So... Spark is back ✨

Arts Services Inc. is thrilled to announce the return of the Spark Awards, celebrating the artists, organizations, and creative leaders shaping Western New York’s arts and cultural community.

When? October 6, 2026 (more details coming soon!)

Nominations are now open through July 31st!!!

Learn more + submit a nomination here: https://www.asiwny.org/spark-awards/

05/18/2026

Creative Opps for the Week!

05/18/2026

We're part of ! Like, comment, and share Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation's original post to vote for Arts Access and to help us bring home a mini grant in support of the program!

Arts Access was created to help break down financial barriers to arts, making it easier for individuals and families across our community to connect with the arts. We’re incredibly grateful to the NCCF for their past support of this program and the impact it has made possible. We’d love your vote in support of Arts Access and expanding access to the arts for all.

IMPACT STORY:
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) has played a key role in expanding Arts Services Inc.’s Arts Access program in Chautauqua County, helping more community members connect with local arts and culture.

Arts Access is a free program that provides income-eligible individuals and families with admission to arts and culture experiences at participating organizations. By removing financial barriers, the program opens the door to museums, performances, and creative spaces that might otherwise feel out of reach.

With NCCF’s support, we’ve been able to grow both participation and partnerships across the county. In 2024, Arts Access included 3 partner organizations in Chautauqua County. Today, that number has grown to 7 - this is an essential piece of the program, because access depends on having welcoming, local places to experience the arts. At the same time, passholders in the county have increased by 80% over the past year, connecting more people to the arts.

Looking at the program as a whole, Arts Access has expanded from 59 partner locations and over 3,000 passholders in 2024 to 72 partners and 6,446 passholders today. The arts are reaching more people in ways that feel welcoming, accessible, and part of everyday life and NCCF’s support is expanding that access.

05/13/2026

Our team at ASI rolled up their sleeves yesterday to volunteer at as they got ready for the 5/14 Day of Service & Remembrance event on Thursday. Their commitment to supporting the community has been truly remarkable, we are so proud of them!

If you are able to stop by the event it will run from 9am-2pm where they will be honoring the 10 lives lost on 5/14/22 through service and care rooted in Buffalo’s East Side.

05/12/2026

NEW THIS SUMMER! Chill Sessions: Creative Meet-Ups

Join us for a casual morning of coffee and conversation with fellow artists, creatives, and arts and culture workers.

Our first Creative Meet-Up will take place on:
- Thursday, May 28th
- 9am - 10:30am
- Raha Coffee House, 3500 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14226

Free to attend. No registration required.

Learn more: https://www.asiwny.org/chill-sessions/

05/11/2026

Creative calls for WNY!

05/07/2026

Americans for the Arts works year-round with policymakers to advance federal arts policy.

But mapping the future of arts and culture starts with listening to the field.
That’s why we’re sharing the 2026 National Arts Policy Survey — five straightforward questions that directly shape the federal policy agenda for our field.

The survey covers:
→ Federal investment in the NEA, NEH, and cultural infrastructure
→ Arts in the economy and creative workforce support
→ Artist income stability
→ Arts education from pre-K through higher ed
→ Arts in health and human services

There’s also space to share your story. Because the data makes the case — but the stories make it matter.

Two minutes. Your perspective.

SURVEY LINK: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8767922/NationalArtsPolicySurvey

05/06/2026

Arts Access Spotlight: Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (NACC)

Looking for the heartbeat of the Western New York creative scene? Look no further than the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center in Niagara Falls!

Spanning a massive 180,000 square feet, the NACC is more than just a building, it’s a thriving ecosystem for over 100 artists and makers. From painters and sculptors to woodworkers and dance companies, the NACC is dedicated to fueling the professional careers of our local creators.

What’s inside the NACC?

Creative Studios: Home to 100+ multi-disciplinary artists.

Performance Spaces: 3 theaters and a local radio station.

Galleries: 2 public galleries plus numerous private exhibition spaces.

Community Hubs: Public classrooms and the cozy Starry Night Café.

Whether you’re an artist looking for a collaborative home or a culture seeker ready to explore, the NACC is a cornerstone of the WNY creative community.

📍 Visit them: 1201 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 🔗 Learn more: https://thenacc.org/

CreativeEcosystem NACC