RIT President Bill Sanders Remarks for the RIT City Art Space Ribbon Cutting

On Sept. 3, 2025, RIT held a dedication ceremony in downtown Rochester with a ribbon cutting at the new RIT City Art Space. Here are President Bill Sander’s remarks:

Good morning, everyone. My name is Bill Sanders, RIT’s 11th President and I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate this exciting new chapter for RIT City Art Space.

The College of Art and Design has operated an RIT-focused, student-staffed downtown gallery for 25 years. It has long been a place where our students, faculty, alumni, and community artists share their creativity, build connections, and showcase the incredible breadth of talent that defines both RIT and our city.

The Neighborhood of Play is quickly becoming one of Rochester’s most dynamic destinations, with cultural institutions, restaurants, music venues, and residents all coming together to create a hub of energy and activity. We are proud that RIT City Art Space is now a part of that growth, and we’re thrilled to join such a positive arts and cultural focused community landscape.

Our programs will continue to reflect RIT’s commitment to excellence and community: from student thesis and capstone exhibitions to collaborative projects with local partners, to shows featuring faculty, alumni, and artists from across the art world. I am pleased to share that RIT City Art Space will remain free and open to the public, offering everyone a chance to engage with creativity at its highest level.

With today’s ribbon cutting, we reaffirm RIT’s ongoing commitment to the City of Rochester. This is our only downtown venue dedicated to art, design, and creativity, and we are thrilled to continue that legacy in the vibrant Neighborhood of Play.

Thank you again for being here. Now please join me in welcoming our emcee, and the Dean of our College of Art and Design, Todd Jokl.