Senate Resolution No. 1808

BY: Senator REICHLIN-MELNICK

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Rockland
Center for the Arts of West Nyack, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Rockland Center for the Arts of
West Nyack, New York; and

WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will be celebrated with a myriad of
events held throughout the year including Music Sessions @ RoCA with An
Evening with Marshall Crenshaw on February 5, 2022, Constellations: A
Benefit Auction of Rockland Artists, Yesterday & Today from March 5-19,
2022, and Charles White: Influences, an exhibition and related programs
in partnership with the Gordon Center for Black Culture & Arts and the
CEJJES Institute; and

WHEREAS, Originally known as Rockland Foundation Inc., Rockland
Center for the Arts was founded in 1947, as a non-profit educational
institute to promote the arts and present programs utilizing the immense
creative talent in Rockland County such as artists Henry Varnum Poor,
Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Maxwell Anderson, and Helen Hayes; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Rockland Foundation Inc. became Rockland Center
for the Arts (RoCA), and continued its mission of inspiring, educating
and enriching the community through creating, teaching and presenting
the arts, and to provide opportunities for all people to experience and
participate in the cultural life of our region; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of Executive Director
Daly Flanagan, this extraordinary cultural institution serves as the
premier entertainment center in Rockland County, the hub of West Nyack,
and a true beacon for the arts which are so vital to the community and
the lives of its residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, Each year, RoCA attracts over 25,000 visitors and students
from throughout the region, and its School for the Arts and intensive
Summer Arts Day Camp has an annual enrollment of over 400; and

WHEREAS, RoCA's Community Outreach Programs provide studio art
programs to the underserved populations in the area, and supports a
program which commissions public works of art; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; since its inception, RoCA has greatly contributed to the
richness of New York's cultural palette and remains steadfastly

dedicated to ensuring this gem remains in all its glory for decades to
come; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As RoCA looks back with great pride to its beginnings,
viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful evolution, it renews
both its dedication to supporting artistic excellence, and its
commitment to the community it has been built within beginning in 1947,
expressing its appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and
enhance it over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Rockland Center for the Arts of
West Nyack, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Daly Flanagan, Executive Director, the Rockland Center
for the Arts.