Return on Experience: Investing in Public Art

Return on Experience: Investing in Public Art

In this episode of Fairport Forward, we explore how art shapes everyday life in Fairport and why that matters for the Village’s future. From benches, banners, and streetscape details to live music, seasonal events, and local maker spaces, creativity is woven into how Fairport looks, sounds, and feels. Joined by guest Pat Rapp, we discuss how art influences behavior downtown, strengthens community identity, and supports the local economy by increasing foot traffic, encouraging exploration, and signaling quality to businesses and investors. The conversation also looks ahead to opportunities like the proposed Public Art Trail and how Fairport can invest in art strategically as “soft infrastructure” that supports long-term growth. Mentioned in this episode: * 6x6 Art-Making Party on March 14, 2026 [https://www.instagram.com/p/DUY3X8ZFDFE/] * Burning Man Project [https://burningman.org/] * Meow Wolf [https://meowwolf.com/] * Fairport Public Arts Committee [https://www.fairportart.org/] Find Fairport OCED Online: * Website [https://www.fairportoced.org] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/93265475/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fairportoced] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/fairportoced] * Village of Fairport Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Website [https://www.fairportdri.com]

Meet the Projects: Part 2

What public projects could shape the future of downtown Fairport? In Meet the Projects, Part 2, we’re joined by Fairport Village Manager Bryan White to break down the conceptual public projects included in the Village’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative application and the vision behind them.  Contact Bryan White, Fairport's Village Manager [https://www.village.fairport.ny.us/village_government/village_manager3.php] Find Fairport OCED Online: * Website [https://www.fairportoced.org] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/93265475/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fairportoced] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/fairportoced] * Village of Fairport Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Website [https://www.fairportdri.com]

Meet the Projects: Part 1

In this episode, we take a step back to refresh listeners on the conceptual private projects included in the Village of Fairport’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application, reconnecting them to the community priorities we’ve been exploring this season. From new housing and mixed-use development to canal frontage enhancements, historic preservation, and expanded arts, cultural, and educational spaces, this episode highlights how private investments support goals like walkability, economic vitality, and an active downtown. Download Full Project Descriptions [https://fairportoced.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Village-of-Fairport-Downtown-Revitalization-Initiative-Projects.pdf] (PDF) Find Fairport OCED Online: * Website [https://www.fairportoced.org] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/93265475/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fairportoced] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/fairportoced] * Village of Fairport Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Website [https://www.fairportdri.com]

Moving at Village Speed

In this episode of Fairport Forward, we explore how the way people move through Fairport shapes how the Village feels and why that matters for the local economy. Drawing from our community survey feedback, we talk about how Fairport is at its best when it’s experienced at human scale: walking along Main Street, biking into town, docking along the canal, and lingering a little longer. We discuss why walkability is one of Fairport’s core strengths, how calm and predictable movement supports local businesses, and how different modes of transportation can work together. Joined by urbanist Arian Horbovetz, we look at what works in other village-scale communities and how Fairport can build on what already makes it special. The Urban Phoenix Blog: https://theurbanphoenix.com/ [https://theurbanphoenix.com/] Find Fairport OCED Online: * Website [https://www.fairportoced.org] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/93265475/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fairportoced] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/fairportoced] * Village of Fairport Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Website [https://www.fairportdri.com]

Loved by Visitors, Built for Residents

Today we’re talking about tourism in Fairport - why we’re proud that people want to visit, and why balancing that popularity with everyday life can sometimes be challenging. We’ll explore what tourism means for our local economy, how it affects residents, and how communities can manage growth intentionally. To help ground the conversation, we’re joined by Katie Dee from Visit Rochester, the official tourism promotion agency for Monroe County and the Finger Lakes region. Find Fairport OCED Online: * Website [https://www.fairportoced.org] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/93265475/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fairportoced] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/fairportoced] * Village of Fairport Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Website [https://www.fairportdri.com]