PACCNY and Community Artist Collaboration

Pan African Community of Central New York (PACCNY)

Creative Rebuild New York's Artist Employment Program

Community Artists Bennie Guzman and Kofi Antwi

Creative Rebuild New York's Artist Employment Program

PACCNY is very excited to announce receipt of a $75,000 grant from Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY)!

CRNY’s Artist Employment Program (AEP) is a 2-year program that will fund employment for 300 artists working in collaboration with community-based organizations across New York State. Participating artists will receive a salary of $65,000 per year (commensurate with median household income in New York State) plus benefits and dedicated time to focus on their artistic practice. Community-based organizations will receive $25,000-$100,000 per year to support their collaborations with these artists.

Though PACCNY’s relationship with both artists is new, it shares an ideological commonality with both to promote holistic educational programs that emphasize the mental wellbeing of community members and support their learning about self-identity, his/herstory and culture through creative writing and art.


Kofi’s writing program will account for the pedagogy, curriculum and gathering of useful resource materials/contacts to establish a community of writers. Bennie’s mental wellness program will use creative arts therapy techniques to explore cultural norms and behaviors as they relate to People of Color, in addressing mental health.