Community Folk Art Center

Specialties

Community Folk Art Center, Inc. (CFAC), is a vibrant cultural and artistic hub committed to the promotion and development of artists of the African Diaspora. The mission of the center is to exalt cultural and artistic pluralism by collecting, exhibiting, teaching and interpreting the visual and performing arts. Public programming includes exhibitions, film screenings, gallery talks, workshops and courses in the studio, performing and expressive arts.

A proud unit of the African American Studies Department at Syracuse University, CFAC is a beacon of artistry, creativity and cultural expression engaging the Syracuse community, the region and the world.

History

Established in 1972.

Community Folk Art Center, Incorporated (CFAC) was founded in 1972 by the late Herbert T. Williams, a professor in the African American Studies Department, in collaboration with other Syracuse University faculty and students, as well as local artists and Syracuse city residents. The primary motivation and objective for the establishment of CFAC was to provide a high quality showcase for African Diasporan artists, creating a setting for dialogue and interaction among emerging, mid-​career and professional artists, in Central New York. In addition to Williams, CFAC founders include Shirley Harrison, Jack White, George Campbell, Mary Schmidt Campbell Jr., David MacDonald, and Basheer Alim.

CFAC planted its roots in a small storefront on the corner of South Salina Street and Wood Avenue, then relocated to a converted auditorium on the East side, finally settling into our current space at 805 East Genesee Street, allowing us to function as a multidisciplinary community art center. Located in