Arts Services Inc. is proud to share that our Executive Director, Jen Swan-Kilpatrick has been selected by Mayor Sean Ryan to serve on the City of Buffalo’s CREATE Task Force (Cultivating Resources for Entertainment, Arts, Tourism and Expression).

The CREATE Task Force was established to help guide the City’s long-term vision for arts and culture in Buffalo. Convening from May through August 2026, the task force brings together artists, nonprofit leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to advise the Mayor’s Office on governance, coordination, communication, and strategies that support Buffalo’s creative ecosystem.

As an organization committed to strengthening Western New York’s arts and cultural sector, we are honored to see Jen included among this thoughtful and accomplished group of leaders. We are grateful to Mayor Sean Ryan and his administration for recognizing the importance of collaborative leadership and for investing in a strong future for arts and culture in Buffalo.

In announcing the initiative, Mayor Sean Ryan shared:

“In 2026, we need to ask ourselves what it truly means to be an arts-friendly city. 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.”
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The CREATE Task Force will focus on several key areas, including defining the City of Buffalo’s role in supporting arts and culture, improving communication and engagement with the arts community, and aligning City priorities with broader regional cultural planning efforts.

Arts Services Inc. also extends congratulations to the many respected arts leaders selected to participate in this initiative.

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
  • 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
  • Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Arts Services Inc.
  • Maria Ta, Executive Director of Ujima Theater Company
  • Alexa and Edreys Wajed, founders of Eat Off Art

We are excited to see the ideas that emerge through the CREATE Task Force and look forward to supporting a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable creative future for Buffalo.

Learn more about the CREATE Task Force here: https://www.buffalony.gov/1881/City-of-Buffalo-CREATE-Task-Force