About
The Queens Culture & Arts Network (QCAN) is dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Queens by curating accessible, distinctive, and relevant artistic experiences for diverse communities. Our network fosters creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration, serving as a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to connect and thrive.
QCAN is a full-service arts organization that designs artistic programs catering to the unique needs and characteristics of each community it serves. The organization provides a wide range of programs and services for individuals of all ages, aimed at educating, uplifting, and celebrating the borough's rich diversity and multi-ethnic heritage.
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Through QCAN, individuals discover and engage with the arts in their local neighborhoods. As the only arts organization within Queens that facilitates such accessibility, QCAN emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the arts. Your community, your arts.
QCAN provides a variety of programs and services, including performances, concerts, workshops, pop-up exhibitions, neighborhood beautification projects, and free mentorship support for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the performing and visual arts. It also supports professional artists seeking to advance their careers. Additionally, QCAN can be engaged in curating other artistic projects.
Meet The Team
Susan Agin
Executive Director, QCAN
Susan Agin is the Executive Director for the Queens Culture & Arts Network (QCAN). Susan is a successful performing arts professional with over 25 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in patron services, sales, development and fundraising, professional arts programming, management and education, focusing on the cultural needs of a diverse community. Susan is recognized for her creation of distinctive programming and successful execution of over 500 events, effectively representing Queens' diverse populations.
Honors and Awards: New York City Council Proclamation for outstanding contributions in the community, City Council Citation for exemplary service to the community, Citation of Honor from the Queensborough President for outstanding work, Certificate of Achievement by the New York State Senate, New York State Citation for exemplary service on behalf of the community, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Schneps Communications’ Top Woman in Business Award, TSI Community Service Award for years of service to the Queens Community, Timesledger Queens Impact Award, Queens Tribune: Power Women of Queens, NYC Council Lifetime Achievement Award, Queens Public Television Power Women of Queens Recognition Award. Associations: Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Actor’s Equity Association, Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs.
Costa Constantinides
Chief Executive Officer, VBGCQ
Before joining VBGCQ, Costa Constantinides represented the New York City Council’s 22nd District, which includes his native Astoria, as well as Rikers Island, parts of Jackson Heights, Woodside, and East Elmhurst. The son of a Greek-Cypriot immigrant and an education activist, Costa grew up immersed in the diverse fabric of Astoria. Costa attended P.S. 84 and P.S. 122 in Astoria before graduating from William Cullen Bryant High School. He attended Queens College where he now teaches as an adjunct lecturer in both the Political Science and Urban Studies departments. In 2010, Costa received his Juris Doctor from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 2014. Some highlights from Costa’s time serving in City Council include:
• Lead the effort to pass the Climate Mobilization Act, the largest carbon emissions reduction act ever mandated by any city in the world. • Supported initiatives that prioritize STEM including allocating capital dollars to put a hydroponic science lab in every school in District 22 • Secured $30 million to reimagine Astoria Park • Partnered with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to create 500 new units of senior affordable housing.
Andy Rodriguez
Executive Director, VBGCQ
Andy brings over twenty years of experience in Youth Services and the non-profit sector. His experience includes advocacy for displaced families, designing and implementing dynamic youth programs, as well as program management and administration. Andy understands and appreciates the transformative power that youth programs can play in the lives of the young people and families in the neighborhoods they serve. He has lived in Astoria for over 15 years and is excited to be a part of an organization that serves the community.