Bronx Documentary Center - Creatives Rebuild New York

Visitors viewing photos at an art gallery exhibition.

Latin American Foto Festival at the Bronx Documentary Center.

Photo by Adi Talwar

A photography workshop with a presentation on analog camera parts.

Artist Belinda Gallegos’ bilingual analog photography class.

Photo by Lenny Medina

A person holding a camera with a glasshouse in the background and another individual on the side.

Merienda y Fotografía, photo walks for Spanish speakers.

Photo by Belinda Gallegos

Group of people with cameras, possibly on a photography outing, standing outdoors.

Merienda y Fotografía, photo walks for Spanish speakers.

Photo by Michael Young

People engaging in pumpkin painting at an outdoor table.

Artist Evan Solis working in the youth education program.

Photo by Michael Kamber

The Collaboration

Belinda Gallegos, Maria Galindo, Ricardo Partida, Kalada Halliday, Michael Young, Sean Sirota, Salvador Espinoza, Cynthia Rivera, and Evan Michael Solis partnered with the BDC to strengthen its public programs and education offerings. Through this collaboration, they launched recurring bilingual adult education programs, brought photo classes for seniors on-site, expanded necessary college access support to high school students, led documentary film and analog photography classes, and more. They showcased 15 exhibitions in the last two years featuring the work of students in their programs, and offered more than 100 public programs in the forms of book and artist talks, film screenings, and panel discussions. Photo walks in the community provided space to expand the conversation, including a Spanish language meetup “Merienda y Fotografía.” Public events like the Latin American Foto Festival became community engagement opportunities for residents to connect with their heritage through art.

The Organization

The Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) uses community-based documentary practice and education to explore vital issues, stimulate critical thought, and drive social change.

Working with the artists and seeing them grow individually and professionally has been impactful. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with all of them. Having artists on staff is helpful for an organization like the BDC. Den Quinsay

This collaboration helped me to have the time to talk, create, teach and live photography as never before. I didn’t perceive before as I do now all the possibilities of making art and the urgency to express myself through my photography work. Belinda Gallegos

The BDC's commitment to education and community empowerment is inspiring. Events like the block party and Foto Festival offer a platform to reconnect our community with their heritage, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride. Maria Galindo

The BDC collaboration wasn't just about teaching, it ignited a passion in me. Witnessing the seniors I empowered to connect, exhibit, and thrive as artists fueled my own creative journey. Michael Young