CEPA Gallery

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Location:

617 Main St #201, Buffalo, NY 14203

(716) 856-2717

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CEPA Gallery: A Hub for Contemporary Photography and Visual Arts

Located in Buffalo’s historic Market Arcade Complex, CEPA Gallery is a dynamic center for contemporary photography and visual arts, making a significant impact both locally and nationally. As one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit photography-based arts organizations in the United States, CEPA is dedicated to fostering artistic expression through exhibitions, education, and access to image-making resources.

Founded in 1974 during the Alternative Space Movement by recent graduates of the University at Buffalo, CEPA—originally the Center for Exploratory and Perceptual Arts—began as a community darkroom and exhibition space. Over the decades, it has grown into a nationally recognized institution that remains deeply rooted in Western New York’s cultural landscape. With three galleries showcasing rotating exhibitions, multimedia public art installations, and a commitment to diversity and accessibility, CEPA provides a vital platform for emerging and established artists alike.

Education is at the heart of CEPA’s mission. The gallery offers a range of workshops, classes, and community programs designed for individuals of all ages, abilities, and income levels. Schools and nonprofit organizations benefit from CEPA’s engaging arts education initiatives, which introduce students to photography and digital media while encouraging creative exploration. Through student stipends, internships, and paid job training opportunities, CEPA also plays a crucial role in preparing young creatives for careers in the arts.

CEPA is committed to inclusivity and social engagement, ensuring that traditionally underrepresented artists and audiences have a voice in the arts. By keeping its galleries free and open to the public, the organization fosters a welcoming space for artistic dialogue and community connection. Additionally, its innovative programs, such as the reimagined Big Orbit Satellite and Field Darkroom projects, extend CEPA’s reach beyond its downtown location, engaging diverse neighborhoods across Erie County.

As a leading advocate for the arts, CEPA continues to be an incubator of creativity, a champion of emerging artists, and a bridge between communities. With a vision to make art an essential part of life, CEPA remains a cornerstone of Buffalo’s cultural scene, celebrating photography and visual storytelling as powerful tools for expression and social change.