While nearby Detroit provides an outlet for cultural enrichment, the Rochester area has no shortage of cultural opportunities. From art to music to theatre, Greater Rochester gives plenty of reasons to stay in town.

The Oakland Univesity Art Gallery features a diverse program of museum quality exhibitions featuring contemporary, historical and ethnographic art. In addition, the gallery frequently is host to lectures and performances. Contributors include international guests as well as contemporary Michigan artists.

Comprised of professional musicians and talented local residents, the Rochester Symphony Orchestra puts annual concert series and hosts a Young Artists compitition. The winner performs with the orchestra and recives a cash award. Continuing the tradition of superb orchestral performances, the Meadow Brook Music Festival on the campus of Oakland University provides a summer home for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra .

In addition to the many opportunities to appreciate the creative talents of others, there are also a variety of ways for residents to cultivate their own creativity. The Rochester Avon Recreation Authority (RARA) offers classes for one-year-olds through adults in dance, sports, fitness and more. For the aspiring artist, the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA) provides studio classes for children and adults, community education programs and year-long exhibitions of emerging and established artists, as well as handcrafted art for sale in the gift gallery. They are also home to the famous annual Art & Apples Festival, the second largst fine arts festival in Michigan featuring over 250 artists, live music and homemade apple pies.

For live theatre, there is no finer thespian stage than the Meadow Brook Theatre . Located on the campus of Oakland University, the independently owned and operated theatre showcases the brightest local and national talent. Meadow Brook Theatre is Michigan's largest non-profit producting professional theatre and the site of many award-winning plays and musicals. The Avon Players have been providing quality drama and comedy for nearly 60 years, bringing out the best in Rochester ara residents.

People who live in greater Rochester know what a scenic place it is with its rivers, trails, bluffs and historic buildings.  But film producers who have recently begun looking seriously at Michigan for locations, thanks to generous tax incentives, had no way of knowing-until now.  For further information on film making in the greater Rochester area visit our website.