ICP at The Point
International Center of Photography (ICP)

The International Center of Photography (ICP) in Manhattan, in collaboration with The Point Community Development Corporation in the Bronx, offers young people in the Hunt's Point neighborhood of the South Bronx a new vision of their world and themselves through the lens of a camera. This year-round photography program provides a range of activities, including hands-on photography classes, field trips, group exhibitions, and a student-run galleryóall designed to spark creativity, improve communication skills, and stimulate dialogue within the community.

ICP at The Point offers four levels of free photography courses to young people ages 8‚19. Each year, 200 students attend classes that are structured to provide a strong set of photography and business skills. Teaching artists and professional photographers serve as their mentors. Students work on group and individual photo projects and are encouraged to explore their neighborhoods to find subjects for their work. Exhibitions and publications showcase participants' work and document the program's efforts. Teens who progress to advanced levels are hired as teaching assistants and lab managers.

The program's state-of-the-art facility is an extraordinary community resource, enabling young people to learn how to work as independent photographers and develop valuable job skills. Participants also have access to ICP's exhibitions, collections, library, lectures, and darkroom facilities, as well as internships and job contacts.

To maximize its impact on participants' lives, ICP at The Point offers business-training workshops. Students learn job skills through practical photo projects and business opportunities, such as working as stringers for a community newspaper or selling their photos through The Point Community Center's retail space. In addition, the program provides entrepreneurial guidance to help young people establish their own businesses as photographers.

Students typically stay in ICP at The Point for three years, and 5 to 10 students pursue further education in photography or the visual arts every year. Using the power of photography, ICP at The Point gives young people the means to express themselves and to acquire real-world business skills that can lead to educational and job opportunities. Ultimately, they grow to see themselves and their community in a new light.