As summer drew to a close, New York City played host to one of the most
anticipated gatherings in the global Black creative community: CultureCon. Founded
by Imani Ellis, the annual conference brought together an extraordinary mix of
artists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and cultural tastemakers for a celebration of
Black creativity, innovation, and expression.
Supported by an impressive lineup of brand partners, including Chase Ink, Cricket
Wireless, Lincoln, HBO Max, Audible, and Pinterest, CultureCon found distinct
ways to support creatives, entrepreneurs, and culture shifters. Through these
partnerships, the event reinforced its commitment to creating opportunities for the
people shaping contemporary culture and driving innovation across industries.
Among the creatives contributing to this year’s experience was Ghanaian filmmaker
and multidisciplinary creative Zed Benson, who collaborated with an exceptional
collective of artists, designers, and visual storytellers to deliver an immersive content
experience at the conference.
Working alongside New York-based creative Karston Tannis, photographer Sam
Mironko, and a talented team of individuals, Zed contributed to an ambitious
production that celebrated the intersection of culture, artistry, and visual storytelling.
Where Art, Culture, and Visual Storytelling Meet
One of the standout installations was a striking portrait and content studio that
quickly became a captivating destination for attendees.
Stepping into the space felt almost like entering a contemporary art museum.
Designed by New York-based Abiké Studio, the set brought together thoughtful
aesthetics, charm, and elegance, creating an environment where every creative who
stepped in front of the camera became part of a larger artistic expression.
The studio’s visual identity was complemented by the collective talent behind the
production. From set design and photography to cinematography and video
production, each creative brought a distinct perspective to the experience,
contributing to a cohesive visual environment that celebrated individuality and artistic
excellence.
Zed’s creative touch was evident throughout the video content produced within the
studio. Drawing on his experience in cinematography and visual storytelling, he
helped translate the atmosphere, personalities, and energy of CultureCon into
compelling visual narratives.
The result was more than a conventional content studio. It was an intersection of art,
culture, and individuality, capturing the spirit of a community that continues to
redefine contemporary Black creativity.
A Collective of Creative Minds
At the heart of CultureCon is the belief that creativity thrives when talented people
come together. The collaboration between Zed, Karston Tannis, Sam Mironko, and
the wider creative team demonstrated the value of bringing different artistic
disciplines into one shared space.
Each contributor helped shape an experience that extended beyond the
conference’s stages and conversations. The portrait studio offered attendees an
opportunity to engage with art, express their identities, and become part of a visual
archive celebrating the people driving Black culture forward.
For Zed, working alongside exceptional creative minds is familiar territory.
With a career spanning multiple continents and creative industries, he has built an
international portfolio through directing, cinematography, photography, and creative
direction. His professional journey has brought him into creative environments
involving prominent entertainment figures, including Michael B. Jordan, John
Legend, and Daniel Kaluuya.
His multidisciplinary approach allows him to move between creative disciplines while
maintaining a distinct visual identity rooted in culture, emotion, and storytelling.
Whether collaborating with established industry professionals or emerging artists,
Zed continues to explore how powerful images and authentic stories can connect
people across cultures.
Breaking Boundaries: A New Chapter for Ghanaian Creativity
Beyond the production itself, Zed’s collaboration at CultureCon represents
something much bigger: the growing opportunities for Ghanaian creatives to
break geographical boundaries and contribute to the global creative
conversation.
For a creative professional working out of Ghana, participating in international
productions and collaborating with talented individuals across borders is a powerful
reminder that creativity has no geographical limitations. Talent can emerge
anywhere, and with the right collaborations, vision, and determination, it can find its
place on some of the world’s most influential creative platforms.
Opportunities like CultureCon are particularly significant for Ghana’s growing
creative industry. They create spaces for Ghanaian talent to exchange ideas, build
meaningful professional relationships, learn from international peers, and
demonstrate the value of African perspectives within the global entertainment and
media landscape.
For Zed, whose creative journey has taken him across continents, this cross-cultural
exchange is a natural extension of his work. His experiences in China, Ghana, and
the United States reflect a career built around connecting people, cultures, and ideas
through visual storytelling.
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