NYC Salt started in 2008 as a 501c3 nonprofit. We grew out of a small after‐school photography class in Washington Heights offered by Executive Director Alicia Hansen, a professional photographer with over 25 years of experience.

Alicia understood that photography and an understanding of the visual industry could be a catalyst to expand life possibilities for underserved youth through exposure to the arts, digital technology, academic preparation, and access to professional networks.

The organization was officially launched in 2008 and has grown and thrived over the last fifteen years.

NYC Salt now serves 150 youth annually—in our own studio, as well as in schools and community centers—year-round.

NYC Salt’s mission is to engage, inspire, and empower youth from underserved, predominantly immigrant communities in New York City to reach their full potential and develop a sense of agency, belonging, and integrated identity through the lens of a camera.

We achieve this through multi-year, sequential visual arts instruction taught by creative professionals combined with individualized mentoring, college guidance, career exploration, employment opportunities and vocational training.

The vision of NYC SALT to create impact in the lives of students in New York City and bringing more diversity and excellence to the creative industry.