Medina Triennal: New Contemporary Art Triennial in Upstate New York

The village of Medina in Western New York will host the inaugural Medina Triennal from June 6 to September 7, 2026. The triennial expects 50,000 visitors every three years and will feature over 50 site-specific installations across 12 indoor and outdoor venues. Curated by Kari Conte (New York/Turkey) and Karin Laansoo (director of Kai Art Center, Tallinn, who lives part-time in Rochester), with associate curator Ekrem Serdar (Buffalo), the event aims to blend global perspectives with local sensibilities. The triennial is a collaboration between the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation to revitalize the historic canal region. All works will be free and accessible, often created with residents. A Triennial Hub will open in September 2025 in Medina, hosting workshops, exhibitions, and partnerships with institutions from Buffalo to Rochester, focusing on ecology, community, and landscape.