Anyone that really knows Buffalo, understands that the arts have helped to keep this city together during the best and worst of time. Buffalo’s cultural scene ties us all together. The arts are ever present, in our parks and galleries, on our buildings, and throughout our collective mindset.
As a way to further strengthen and solidify the arts, Mayor Sean Ryan has announced the formation of Cultivating Resources for Entertainment, Arts, Tourism and Expression Task Force (CREATE) Task Force – a group of artists, nonprofit leaders, venue operators, educators, and cultural strategists tasked with helping shape the City’s role in supporting and strengthening Buffalo’s arts and cultural sector.
CREATE is designed as a way to establish and solidify a roadmap towards the creation of a more robust and more resilient arts ecosystem.
“In 2026, we need to ask ourselves what it truly means to be an arts-friendly city,” Mayor Sean Ryan said. “Buffalo’s artists and cultural organizations are part of what makes our city unique, attract people here, strengthen neighborhoods, drive tourism, and build community. This task force brings together voices from across the arts sector to help us think strategically about how City Hall can be a stronger partner moving forward.”
Members of the CREATE Task Force include:
- Co-Chair: Yuki Numata Resnick, Senior Director of Arts and Culture at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
- Co-Chair: Nick Schifano, Program Officer at the Cullen Foundation
- Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Arts Services Inc.
- Michele Agosto, Director of Arts for Buffalo Public Schools
- Monica Angle, Practicing Artist
- Julia Bottoms, Visual Artist
- Melissa Brown, Executive Director of the Buffalo History Museum
- Jamil Crews, Crews Control Media
- Tiffany D. Gaines, Curator at the Burchfield Penney Art Center
- Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara and member of the City of Buffalo Arts Commission
- Anna Kapechuk, Vice President of Asbury Arts Center
- Amelia Schrader, Executive Director of Arts for Learning WNY
- Maria Ta, Executive Director of Ujima Theater Company
- Alexa and Edreys Wajed, founders of Eat Off Art
The CREATE Task Force will focus on three primary areas:
- Defining the City of Buffalo’s role in fostering arts and culture, including evaluating the current City of Buffalo Charter and how the City can most effectively support arts and culture
- Advising on how the City communicates and engages with Buffalo’s arts and cultural community
- Aligning City priorities with existing regional arts and cultural research, planning efforts and stakeholder input, including the Erie County Cultural Plan and the Center for an Urban Future’s WNY’s Creative Spark report
“I’m deeply grateful to Mayor Sean Ryan and his administration for recognizing the need for a clear, strategic vision for arts and culture in the City of Buffalo,” said Yuki Numata Resnick, co-chair of the CREATE Task Force. “It is an honor to serve alongside leaders who are deeply committed to the strength and sustainability of Buffalo’s cultural ecosystem. I’m hopeful this task force marks the beginning of a new chapter for Buffalo rooted in collaboration, coordination and a shared commitment to a thriving arts and culture sector that serves residents across our city.”
The Task Force will convene from May 2026 through August 2026, with meetings occurring every two weeks. Members are expected to attend and actively engage in all Task Force meetings, contribute research, and complete items assigned between meetings, and assist in developing recommendations related to the future of arts and culture policy, coordination, and engagement in the City of Buffalo.
Lead image: Detail of a buffalo sculpture by Larry Griffis III