Arts Services Inc. (ASI)

Research from Americans for the Arts shows that participation in the arts has a powerful impact on community well-being. Nearly 40% of people report feeling more positive about their community after engaging with the arts. By fostering connection and reducing isolation, the arts build cooperation and strengthen community networks. Many participants even describe feeling more empowered and engaged as citizens after participating in the arts.

So why is access to the arts still out of reach for so many Western New Yorkers?

That’s the question that sparked the creation of Arts Access by Arts Services Inc. in 2013.

What is Arts Access?

The Arts Access program was created to remove the barriers that prohibit many Western New Yorkers from experiencing the arts, including cost, transportation, language, and effort. Any individual or family who receives income-based public assistance in WNY is eligible to apply. ASI also provides free, safe, and accessible transportation through our partners at Hart Transportation to and from partner events.

Arts Access passes can be used at any of our 60+ partner organizations, all of which believe that the arts belong to everyone. Some of these incredible partner organizations include; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Artpark, Aquarium of Niagara, Explore Buffalo, Reg Lenna Center For The Arts, Buffalo Museum of Science, Explore & More Children's Museum, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Theater of Youth, Irish Classical Theatre Company, and many more.

Arts Access is growing—help us keep it going!

The Arts Access program thrives thanks to the generosity of our partner organizations. These incredible partners donate tickets with minimal compensation, making them the true champions behind this work.

Today, more than 3,000 Western New Yorkers across Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua counties are Arts Access passholders—nearly double the number from previous years.

To keep up with this growing demand, we need your support. Your donation helps sustain the essential parts of this program, including:

1. Multiple sign-up options—online, in person, and by mail—to ensure accessibility for all
2. Free, accessible transportation for any passholder visiting a partner venue
3. Private enrollment process—passholders never need to show proof of income at partner venues and can access the arts like any other guest
4. Personalized welcome packets mailed to every passholder, including a named Arts Access card and a guide to using the pass at all 60+ participating locations
5. Ongoing support from our team to help passholders navigate opportunities
6. Bi-weekly updates from ASI highlighting free and low-cost arts experiences across the region

Your gift ensures that everyone has the chance to experience the arts, regardless of income, ability, or background.

Why We Love Arts Access

Arts Access passholders are at the heart of what makes Western New York so vibrant. They’re parents, children, caretakers, guardians, neighbors, and friends—community members who deserve to feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated in the region’s arts and cultural spaces.

Your gift can open the door to moments that matter: a child experiencing their first live theater performance, a long-overdue date night filled with live music, or a meaningful afternoon at a museum with grandchildren in tow.

"(This) was the one of the nicest days I have had in such a long time, in so many ways… Being alone at home most of the time can get depressing at times. Finding events or things to do becomes quite a challenge and this was perfect! From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.” -Kate, Arts Access Passholder

“Thank you for offering such a great program. I took my niece to the Theatre of Youth last weekend and we had an absolute blast! I’m so grateful for the chance to enjoy these kinds of experiences and share them with my family and friends." -Debbie, Arts Access Passholder

What Your Gift Means:

Let’s show the world that Western New York believes the arts belong to everyone.

We’ve set a goal to raise $4,000 to help ensure that Arts Access continues to thrive—breaking down barriers, expanding access, and creating lasting memories for thousands of community members across our region.

Our Mission: Arts Services Inc. (ASI) empowers the region’s artists and arts organizations with connections to funding, learning opportunities, and community access to the arts. We are a resource hub for the Western New York arts and cultural sector.