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About Us

For over half a century, RiverArts has been the catalyst that connects performers, musicians and art-makers with Rivertowns audiences.
RiverArts was built by volunteers. That long-held tradition of service continues to strengthen the organization today, as dedicated volunteers from across the Rivertowns lend their time and talents to our mission.

RiverArts runs on the power of art. A dedicated team of professionals keeps the engines running as we bring our programs to life 365 days of every year.

With a small staff, collaborators make RiverArts shine. We are fortunate to have such professional talent living in the Rivertowns. This is not an exhaustive list and represents a cadre of artists that have recently produced events and programs or showcased our work through photography and videography.

We are grateful to many individuals, businesses, and organizations for supporting creativity in our community. Benefits of RiverArts membership and sponsorship include exclusive invitations, discounts, and audience engagement opportunities throughout the year.
Pivotal 1933 film anchors talk about race

Pivotal 1933 film anchors talk about race

“The Emperor Jones” — the first mainstream American film to star an African American — will be the subject of a free discussion hosted by RiverArts, together with the Dobbs Ferry and Hastings public libraries, on Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m.

The film, controversial then and now, was released by United Artists, the independent
distribution company founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks.
“The Emperor Jones” is one of five films showcased by the Finger Lakes Film Trail as part of its “Race Films/Race Matters” program, which focuses on films from 1910 to the 1940s made largely by Black filmmakers for Black audiences. Registrants for the RiverArts event are encouraged to watch “The Emperor Jones” at www.fingerlakesfilmtrail.org.

New artistic director charts course for RiverArts

New artistic director charts course for RiverArts

“It’s a difficult time, but it’s also an exciting time because it’s given us a chance to explore offering programs in new ways,” she said on March 1. “It’s encouraged us to become creative, offering new programs and in different formats.”
Ashby succeeds Doug Coe of Hastings, who was executive director of RiverArts since 2013. Last summer, the executive director role was divided into two positions: artistic director and managing director. Josh Suniewick of Hastings came on board as managing director, while Coe remained as artistic director until he retired last month.

RiverArts leader sets course for his own creativity

RiverArts leader sets course for his own creativity

Doug Coe, the driving force behind RiverArts since he was hired as executive director in 2013, has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 1, 2021. Coe’s position as executive director of the nonprofit was split into two part-time jobs this summer. Coe became artistic director while Josh Suniewick of Hastings was hired as managing director.