The Cass Project was an arts and cultural initiative based out of 500 Seneca in Buffalo, from 2016-18, whose mission was to create culturally diverse artistic programming and events that engage, empower, and spark dialogue and action in creating community and rehabilitating neighborhoods. As the first Artist/Curator In-Residence, Dillman transformed the main lobby of 500 Seneca into a gallery space that showcased local emerging and under-represented talent, and converted the old boiler room into a media/performance space. In addition to the onsite programming, the Cass Project worked in the community bringing arts programming to sites that lacked arts initiatives such as the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo and the Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Preserve. Over the course of two years they worked with dozens of local and regional artists and musicians, including: Tricia Butski, Cages, Charles Clough, Aaron Dilloway, Ani Hoover, Alicia Marván, David Mitchell, Audrey Q. Synder, Edreys Wajed, Matt Wellins & Wooden Cities.
500 Seneca is the historic former home of the F.N. Burt Paper Box Company. The Cass Project was named in honor of Mary Cass who ran the F.N. Burt company in the early 20th century and made F.N. Burt the largest paper box manufacturer in the world. Mary Cass played an important role in the founding of Zonta International in Buffalo, played golf, drove a car, wore pants, and had a family, all before she had the right to vote. 500 Seneca is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places.
The Cass Project would like to thank the following sponsors, patrons and community partners for supporting our endeavors from 2016-2018. Without your contributions, our vision would have never been realized, and a special shout to all of our Founding Members* THANK YOU!!!!!
American Coradius International LLC – Savarino Companies – ABC Amega – FourthIdea – Give for Greatness – Modern Disposal Services – University at Buffalo, Arts Management Department – Golden Artist Colors – Hodgson Russ LLP – Private Knives Catering – Dobutsu – Toutant – University at Buffalo, Humanities Institute – Hyatt’s – Riki Lee Ritz* – Terry Mickelson – Dave Corbett* – Diana Kastenbaum* – Brendan McCafferty* – Deborah Abgott* – Charles Clough* – MJ Mechanical Services – Tim Stegner* – Mary Begley* – Danielle Grew* – Robert Fleming* – DeWitt Godfrey* – Daniel Hart* – Anthony James* – Catherine Miller* – Michael Plyter* – Sherry Arndt Preziuso* -Kate Scaglione* – Kristin Schwartz* – Anna Scime* – Dan Shanahan & Melissa Meola – Daniel Siepmann – CEPA Gallery – Mark Duggan Photography – Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center – Queen City Health & Wellness – Western New York Book Arts Center