Nikon Inc. has announced an expansion of the brand’s partnership with NYC Salt, an organization that creates opportunities in visual arts and pathways to college and careers for underserved New York City youth from diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to the arts. The expanded partnership will include an Emerging Talent Scholarship, increased access for NYC Salt students to the latest Nikon cameras and lenses, a mentorship program with Nikon’s prestigious Ambassadors, and an online public print sale to raise proceeds and further support this important program.
“Nikon Inc. is committed to supporting diverse and underrepresented voices. In expanding our partnership with NYC Salt, we are proud to be able to help foster opportunities in the visual arts for underserved New York City youth,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The work that NYC Salt has done to engage and inspire student artists to reach their full potential through imaging closely aligns with Nikon’s ongoing commitment to support the next generation of creators.”
“NYC Salt is a program that can truly make a difference in someone’s life trajectory,” said Alicia Hansen, Founder and CEO, NYC Salt. “By working together with the support of our community, we can give our students the tools and knowledge to pursue their interest in visual storytelling and reach their personal and professional goals.”
As part of the partnership, Nikon will establish the Emerging Talent Scholarship for eligible students graduating from the NYC Salt program and entering a visual arts field. This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded annually, helping to create a pathway for NYC Salt students to follow their dreams and pursue a career in the visual arts. Additionally, Nikon will support NYC Salt’s camera locker program through an equipment fund that allows NYC Salt access to cameras, lenses and other equipment that will enable students to advance their photography and videography skills. These powerful imaging tools will be put directly in the hands of the students to tell their stories while gaining valuable experience towards a professional career in the visual arts.
To further support the program, Nikon is working with its network of world-renowned Ambassadors in the U.S., who have generously offered to donate images for an online public print sale taking place now through August 31, with all proceeds going to NYC Salt to help expand their educational offerings to students. Please visit the website to view the selection of stunning photographs for sale.
Nikon is also working with Ambassadors to coordinate a mentorship program for NYC Salt students. Representing a variety of disciplines, the Nikon Ambassadors have pledged to share their expansive knowledge with students through direct interaction, which will supplement the NYC Salt curriculum for 2020 and beyond.
For more information about Nikon as well as their full line of imaging products, please visit www.nikonusa.com. For more information on NYC Salt, please visit: https://www.nycsalt.org/.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr.
About NYC Salt
NYC Salt’s mission is to engage, inspire, and empower underserved youth in New York City to reach their full potential through photography, video, and an understanding of the visual industry. NYC Salt 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, by engaging them in a rigorous blend of professional photography instruction, college-preparatory workshops, and career exposure. Their goal is to help student artists build advanced visual arts skills and the determination, confidence, and grit they need to succeed in college and future careers. Connect with NYC Salt on Instagram, Vimeo, Twitter, and Facebook.
