Explore Rochester @ 10: A Decade of People and Places celebrates the first ten years of one of Rochester's most significant Instagram accounts @explorerochester. The exhibition creates an immersive environment, giving form to the community-driven, social media project that has showcased Rochester's people and stories through thousands of photos. Featuring a curated selection of one image from each contributor from the last decade, the display of over 500 photographs is a reflection of the city’s changing identity, captured through a wide range of diverse perspectives. This milestone exhibition invites you to step into the shoes of these storytellers and rediscover Rochester through their eyes.

Opening Reception: First Friday, March 7, 6-9pm
Panel Discussion: TBA
Closing Party: First Friday, May 2, 6-9pm

About Explore Rochester

Explore Rochester exists to connect people to people and people to place.

Explore Rochester (@explorerochester) is a community-driven Instagram account dedicated to showcasing the unique voices and perspectives of the people of Rochester, New York. Founded in 2015, the account provides a platform for individuals to take over the feed for a week, sharing nine photos and thoughtful captions that highlight their personal connections to the city and its surrounding region. Contributors are united by two simple commonalities: 1. Rochester and 2. an Instagram account. Outside of these commonalities, Explore Rochester welcomes a wide variety of experiences, passions, and perspectives — all of which contribute to a continually evolving visual archive of Rochester.

Explore Rochester was created by Steve Carter and Justin Dusett to help shine a light on the diversity that defines the city and to foster real life connections among its residents. Delivering on its foundational mission weekly by connecting people to people and people to place. By offering an open space for storytelling, the account creates an online home for Rochester's vibrant culture, history, and ever-changing identity; while encouraging in-person curiosity and discovery. Whether it's showcasing favorite landmarks, hidden gems, or moments of daily life, @explorerochester celebrates the people and places that make Rochester unique.

About the Founders

Steve Carter is a co-founder of Explore Rochester and is proud to call Rochester, NY home for the last 15 years. He leads Marketing & Outreach at CineStill Film and has over a decade of marketing experience, including time as the Global Head of Social Media at Kodak, consulting for the International Center of Photography, and working with Fortune 500 brands. He graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Management and Social Entrepreneurship. He is passionate about Rochester, history, reimaging cities built for people, as well as understanding and fostering community, both online and off — and occasionally, he also likes to take photos.

Justin Dusett is a Rochester native, TEDx alum, RAF Addy Award winner, and co-founder of Explore Rochester. Currently, he works as the Creative Director at Neon Wave. He also proudly serves as Design Director of Rochester Cocktail Revival, and Creative Director for Living Roots Wine & Co. He graduated from Monroe Community College with an A.D. in Commercial Illustration. Community and human connection live at the center of all of his most cherished projects.

New York State Council on the Arts
Farash Foundation
Gouvernet Arts Fund
County of Monroe
Anne Havens
Richard & Vicki Schwartz
and over 1,000 Members!