BOARD MEMBERS

Future Faculty Fellow, School of Art, Rochester Institute of Technology

Kofi Bazzell-Smith is an artist, educator, and professional boxer specializing in Japanese manga. In 2024, he became the first professor of manga practice in the United States, teaching at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). His work explores manga as both artistic discipline and a tool for cross-cultural engagement, integrating creative practice with institutional and international collaboration.

A U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation alumnus, Kofi studied at Kansai Gaidai University in 2019, an experience that deepened his commitment to fostering meaningful engagement between American and Japanese artists. At RIT, he developed a study abroad program that brings students to Japan, where they refine their manga under the guidance of professional editors and artists while immersing themselves in Japanese language and culture. To expand institutional ties, he established a formal exchange between RIT and Kansai Gaidai University, instituting long-term collaboration between students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Kofi has collaborated with institutions and artists, including legendary mangaka Tetsuya Chiba, to organize artist residencies, exhibitions, and educational programs that promote cross-cultural exchange. His work has been supported by organizations such as the Mellon Foundation, the Japanese Arts Foundation, and The Comics Studies Society, reflecting his dedication to advancing artistic and academic connections between the U.S. and Japan.

As an artist, Kofiʼs work has been exhibited across the U.S., incorporating large-scale manga storytelling and experimental formats. He has presented at universities, cultural institutions, and industry events in both the U.S. and Japan, advocating for mangaʼs recognition as a global art form and its role in education and international dialogue.

Kofiʼs broader mission is to build lasting institutions that foster cross-cultural exchange, creative innovation, and new opportunities for artists and scholars worldwide. Through his work, he is expanding the global landscape of storytelling and strengthening international networks between Japan, the U.S., and beyond.