Melville, NY—Nikon Inc. announced the renewal as well as expansion of its partnership with NYC Salt. The enhanced partnership between Nikon and NYC Salt includes the continuation of the Emerging Talent Scholarship program; increased access for NYC Salt students to the latest Nikon cameras and lenses; as well as the new Student Spotlight award to equip an exceptional student for a career in imaging.
NYC Salt is an organization that creates opportunities in visual arts and pathways to college and careers. Moreover, it does so for underserved New York City youth with diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to the arts.
“The talent and vision of the artists coming out of the Salt program is simply astounding,” said Jay Vannatter, executive vice president, Nikon Inc. “We are proud to continue supporting NYC Salt and their mission to help create opportunities for diverse and underrepresented voices, as well as the next generation of creators.”
“At NYC Salt, we foster the development of agency, belonging and integrated identity through the lens of a camera. We couldn’t do this without the best technological tools and latest equipment for students to experiment and learn to be visual storytellers,” added Alicia Hansen, founder and CEO, NYC Salt. “We are thrilled to move back into hands-on learning this fall at NYC Salt; the students can once again enjoy the benefits of experiential learning with their friends and mentors.”
Nikon and NYC Salt Expanded Partnership
The NYC Salt/Nikon Emerging Talent Scholarship is once again offered for eligible students graduating from the NYC Salt program and entering a visual arts-related field of study. The $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually; furthermore, it helps create a pathway for NYC Salt students to follow their dreams and pursue a career in the visual arts.
What’s more, a prestigious panel of judges will judge a selection of the students’ work on creativity and other merits. Previously, the panel has included Nikon Ambassadors who are Pulitzer Prize winners as well as prominent commercial photographers.
In addition, Nikon will continue to support NYC Salt’s camera locker program. Therefore, it will provide an equipment fund that allows NYC Salt students access to cameras, lenses and other equipment. As a result, the students will have an opportunity to advance their photography and videography skills.
Nikon will provide the latest in digital imaging, including models from the Z series of mirrorless cameras. The program will put these imaging tools directly in the hands of the students to tell their stories while gaining valuable experience toward a professional career in the visual arts.
New this year, Nikon and NYC Salt also announced the first Student Spotlight. It is an award chosen by the Salt faculty to spotlight one current student with exceptional potential and drive. Further, this student will receive a Nikon mirrorless camera kit to help them on their creative journey.
NYC Salt
NYC Salt’s mission is to engage, inspire as well as empower underserved youth in New York City to reach their full potential through photography, video and an understanding of the visual industry.
Thus, the organization creates opportunities in visual arts and pathways to college and career for underserved New York City youth from diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to careers in the arts. It does so by engaging them in a rigorous blend of professional photography instruction; college-preparatory workshops; and career exposure.
