Western New York Comic Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We're a collective of comic artists, writers, and supporters based in Western New York. Our aim is to create a community of support for creators at every level. Our main activity is organizing and hosting the Rochester Indie Comics Expo - an annual festival that showcases independent comics creators where they can share and sell their work, and increasingly provide workshops, panels, and other events that help develop and inspire up-and-coming comics talent. 

We began as a simple Instagram group chat of local (Buffalo and Rochester-based) creators getting to know each other and think of ways to support one another. This soon developed into a group on Discord, where we continue the discussion, with new members always welcome. 

In September 2019 we held the first Rochester Independent Comic Expo (RICE) in the backroom of a Rochester barcade, The Playhouse//Swillburger, to much success. After a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we returned in 2021 at the South Wedge Mission. Beginning in 2022 and onward we have held RICE at Sibley Square in downtown Rochester, NY. 

WNYCA and RICE are 100% volunteer-run; from our board members to our planning team, to our day-of helpers.