ESL Federal Credit Union Steps Up as Title Sponsor for 2025 Rochester Fringe Festival

ESL Federal Credit Union Takes the Lead as Title Sponsor for 2025 Rochester Fringe Festival

The vibrant Rochester Fringe Festival, renowned as one of the most prominent arts festivals in the U.S., has secured a new title sponsor: ESL Federal Credit Union. This partnership, announced by the festival's Board of Directors alongside ESL, marks a significant collaboration aimed at enriching the artistic landscape of Rochester.

For over 13 seasons, the Rochester Fringe Festival has drawn nearly a million visitors, hosting around 6,700 performances across diverse artistic disciplines including theater, music, comedy, and dance. Board Chair Mark A. Costello expressed excitement over the partnership, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to sustain the festival's success. "By partnering with ESL, we are not only enhancing the festival but also contributing towards making Rochester a better place for all its inhabitants," he stated.

ESL Federal Credit Union has a long-standing commitment to fostering community vitality through arts and culture investments. Faheem Masood, the CEO and President of ESL, remarked on the importance of the arts in unifying the city. He stated, "During Fringe, the city comes together to celebrate the arts in their many forms," underscoring the festival's role in showcasing the immense talent and creativity present in Greater Rochester. ESL views its support of the Fringe as a dedication not only to the festival itself but to the community and venues that play a vital role in bringing the festival to life.

Founded in 1920 by the influential philanthropist and businessman George Eastman, ESL Federal Credit Union serves more than 436,000 members as a full-service financial institution. It provides personal and business banking, mortgage services, and wealth management through its extensive network across Greater Rochester. Today, ESL employs around 950 people and manages assets exceeding $9.5 billion. The essence of ESL is deeply ingrained in community service, a philosophy rooted in Eastman's legacy of generosity towards education, healthcare, and music.

Erica Fee, the founding Festival Producer, expressed immense gratitude towards ESL, stating, "The commitment from ESL to the community—and to non-profits like us—is truly unparalleled. Just as George Eastman modeled, the team at ESL helps people live their best quality lives while investing in meaningful programs that help the city prosper."

The upcoming 2025 Rochester Fringe Festival is scheduled to run from September 9 to September 20. Information regarding the full festival lineup will be disclosed on July 16, coinciding with the commencement of ticket sales.

The Rochester Fringe Festival has been heralded as one of the largest fringe festivals in the country, recognized especially for its multidisciplinary approach to the arts. The New York Times has acknowledged its prominence, distinguishing it as a leading event within the U.S. artistic community. The festival's mission extends beyond mere entertainment; it strives to showcase a broad spectrum of regional, national, and international artists while promoting diversity and inclusivity. Since its initiation in 2012, nearly a million attendees have celebrated over 5,000 performances and events at the festival, which aims to invigorate downtown Rochester culturally and economically.

In the broader scope of arts festivals, the concept of a fringe began in 1947 when uninvited theatre groups performed alongside the Edinburgh International Festival. Today, events like the Edinburgh Fringe are recognized globally as significant cultural milestones. With approximately 250 fringe festivals worldwide, nearly 50 reside in the United States, with Rochester being the first in Upstate New York.

In summary, the collaboration between ESL Federal Credit Union and the Rochester Fringe Festival not only augments the festival's potential but also reinforces ESL's dedication to uplifting the artistic community in Rochester. As preparations for the 2025 festival take shape, the local community eagerly anticipates an explosion of creativity and culture, all while celebrating the enduring legacy of George Eastman and the impact of ESL in the region.