Jalen Wright
A SUNY Fredonia alumnus is among the artists selected for a special project at the Buffalo Bills new stadium.
Jalen Wright, a 2018 graduate, will be part of the Buffalo Bills Public Art Program at Highmark Stadium presented by Victory Live.
The Buffalo Bills Public Art Program brings together more than 45 artists and art teams, and thousands of community members, to create a permanent, site-specific art collection throughout the new venue. The program is designed to demonstrate the Bills organization’s “commitment to supporting and uplifting Western New York's diverse communities through ongoing cultural investment.”
Wright, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts and New Media with a concentration on Photography at Fredonia, will collaborate with fellow photographers Brendan Bannon and Brandon Watson on the Highmark project. The work will be unveiled when the stadium opens for the 2026 Buffalo Bills season.
The completed collection will feature artwork in 40 locations throughout Highmark Stadium, including sculptural ceiling installations, large-scale murals, and wall-based works of various sizes. These thematic, public-facing pieces will become part of the stadium's permanent collection.
The program process included three separate open calls specifically for local artists, covering ceiling artwork, wall-based art, and murals. In total, 433 applications were received, with more than 300 individuals signing up for the program’s public art mailing list.
Wright is an African American photographer, photojournalist, and higher education professional based in Buffalo. His work spans storytelling through both visual art and documentary photography, capturing “raw emotion and authenticity in every frame.” As a photojournalist, Wright has contributed to major outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Vanity Fair.
In addition to working as freelance photographer, Wright is Assistant Director of Academic Standards and Coordinator for Academic Intervention at SUNY Buffalo State University. He earned a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State in 2020.
