History
Project UNIQUE (United Now for Integrated Quality Urban/Suburban Education) was founded as a result of the racial riots in Rochester, NY, in the mid 1960’s and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 1970. It has worked since its inception in collaboration with the Rochester City School District and others to unite community resources in developing innovative programs for Rochester’s youth. In the early years, as part of this endeavor, it founded such programs as the World of Inquiry School and the Urban/Suburban Transfer Program, and provided training for teachers of inner-city students in partnership with the University of Rochester and other area colleges.
In 1974, UNIQUE was approached by parents for help in sponsoring a pilot Artists-in-Residence program in six city schools. Organized by the parents, the program included four-session residencies in dance, theatre, music, poetry, and visual arts. The enthusiastic response to the pilot indicated an interest in expanding arts-in-education opportunities for students citywide. As a result, from 1975 through 2001, UNIQUE worked in partnership with the Rochester City School District to achieve its mission through comprehensive arts-in-education programs that fostered partnerships between the educational and arts communities. During this time approximately 100 artists and cultural institutions yearly provided 800 programs for over 30,000 students and educators. Since July 2001, UNIQUE has separated from its close ties with the Rochester City School District to fulfill its mission more independently and serve the Rochester community more broadly through in-depth programs that combine research and professional development for educators and artists with classroom implementation for students.
Kindergarten students improvising musical patterns on the rototoms.
