BELONG by Gianna Stewart at Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester NY, 2026
BELONG
Rochester Contemporary Art Center
public artwork on view
June - November 2026
137 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
words deemed unsavory by the current administration of the United States government.
In spring of 2025 several organizations including the New York Times documented the rapid redaction of certain words and terms from official government websites. Since then, groups like PEN America have attempted to track this erasure by compiling lists of words and phrases removed from government publications and censored by institutions attempting to comply with the administration’s directives. Simultaneously arts and educational organizations have been encouraged to remove many of these words from their grant applications and programs, and many have complied. This triptych carefully incorporates PEN America’s list into the letters BELONG, which is also one of the words on the list.
The power of Language
The list is made all the more absurd in the seeming banality of some of the included words and phrases. Conversely, the inclusion of words that identify whole groups of people is terrifying. This list conveys both the power of language and the importance of naming to prevent erasure. The people, causes, and ideas this growing list represents must not be erased. Here they are presented openly, in public space, and in direct opposition to the attempts to scrub them from public discourse.
Presented by RoCo
Support for Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s public art program is provided by The New York State Council on the Arts, Farash Foundation, The County of Monroe, Richard Schwartz, Anne Havens, and Members of RoCo.
This installation is presented in partnership with Christ Church and adjacent to the Cooney Family Garden.
Thanks to Bleu Cease for overall coordination, proofreading, and leading the incredible team at RoCo.
Thank you Rochester Contemporary Art Center for bravely sharing this work in public space.
ROUTE OF REFUSAL: A PUBLIC ART WALK
A WALK THAT LEAVES A MARK
On Saturday October 3rd, 2026 Route of Refusal: A Public Art Walk began at BELONG. The event was part of the national Fall of Freedom weekend. Artists, musicians, writers, and activists gathered at the park next to RoCo for spoken word by Anais Salibian, music with Sean Mulligan, Lydia Del, W. Michelle Harris, Christina Stewart, and art making with Rosa Vargas and Gianna Stewart. Together, we proceeded in song, led by Lydia Del, to Rochester’s Federal Building, where an ICE Detention Center is underway. Greg spoke on behalf of ROC DSA and MetroJustice, highlighting what actions can be taken as part of the Protect Our Neighbors Campaign. Images courtesy Julie Gelfand and RoCo staff Anna and Jess.
