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This project serves as a reminder that immigrants are not only integral to our past but essential to our future, driving innovation, creativity, and progress in every corner of our city.
By centering these narratives, viewers are encouraged to reflect upon the contributions of immigrants to our social, cultural and economic life, while recognizing our shared identities as New Yorkers. We hope the project plays a role in ensuring our city remains a beacon of hope, progress, diversity and inclusion into the future.
"New York Proud" is a narrative shift and public art campaign that reaffirms the indispensable role of immigrants in shaping New York City's identity through a living and growing collection of portraits and stories.
The Team
New York Immigration Coalition
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy & advocacy organization representing over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York. The NYIC not only establishes a forum for immigrant groups to voice their concerns, but also provides a platform for collective action to drive positive social change. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, & allies so all New Yorkers can thrive.
F.Y. Eye
F.Y. Eye is a nonprofit social impact media organization revolutionizing communications through the power of media, community, and art. Our work is rooted in collaboration and dedicated to increasing equitable access to information. We believe by supporting an informed public, we build a stronger democracy that reflects the values and aspirations of all.
The Opportunity Agenda
The Opportunity Agenda (TOA) is a non-profit narrative shift organization committed to transforming the way people discuss and view social issues to advance racial justice and promote a multiracial democracy. We collaborate with a prestigious network of experts, advocates, artists, and communicators to conduct groundbreaking research, develop essential tools, and create compelling stories that inspire change. Our vision is an inclusive America, where just policies ensure everyone has an equal voice and an equal opportunity to thrive.
This project would not have been possible without the support of Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies, Unbound Philanthropy, and W. K. Kellogg Foundation.
We are deeply grateful to the organizations that helped us connect with participants in this project, including African Communities Together, Arab American Association of New York, Brooklyn Public Library, Caribbean Equality Project, Carroll Gardens Association, GrowNYC, La Colmena, New York State Nurses Association, Queens Public Library, Street Vendor Project, and many others who reached out to their members and networks.
Finally, this project would not have been possible without the participation of Adriana, Ahmed, Antonio, Bruneth, Carlos, Carolina, Cecilia, Charon, Deepthi, Diana, Edwin, Fatima, Fatrin, Fayjur, Guadalupe, Hina, Hugo, Javier, Joaquin, Julia, Kimberly, Lausky, Macarena, Marie Rose, Mayowa, Mayra, Mirtha, Naho, Nella, Olivia, Peter, Reginald, Sarahi, Selina, Taiseer, and Thanu. We are forever grateful to them for their time and trust in us.
I’m a documentary photographer, multimedia artist and educator born in Caracas, Venezuela. My professional work as a photographer has primarily focused on issues related to youth, identity, migration, the cycles of political rupture and violence, as well as projects that promote social inclusion and community empowerment.
My work has been widely published by major media including Le Monde, The New Yorker, The New York Times, TIME Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. I have exhibited internationally and been recognized by awards, grants and fellowships from Aperture / Paris Photo, Diane Dammeyer Foundation, Eugene Smith Grant, the Magnum Foundation, Onassis Foundation, World Press Photo, and Tim Hetherington Visionary Award, amongst others.
My collaborative photobook “Esos Que Saben” about youth, incarceration and reintegration in Venezuela, has been recognized with a Mention of Honor at PhotoEspaña 2023, Shortlisted by Aperture / Paris Photo 2022, and recognized as one of 20 Photobooks of the Year 2022 by TIME Magazine. “Esos Que Saben” is also part of the photobook collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Artist Statement: This project is a celebration of the mosaic of people, cultures, talents, stories and countries of origin that make New York and New Yorkers so special. I am proud to share the portraits of a wide array of hard working New Yorkers to contribute to an increased understanding of our immigrant communities and their contributions to our city’s growth and success. In the middle of these troubled times, this project calls for more understanding and inclusion of these often marginalized sectors of our society, and to uplift the important contributions of millions of immigrants that make New York a unique place.
Pop-Up Photo Exhibitions
Pop-up exhibitions in Times Square, Brooklyn and Queens beginning August 30th, will highlight the diverse journeys, economic contributions of immigrant New Yorkers
NYC Proud Photoville Tour:
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Manhattan
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Times Square, 44th – 45th Street Broadway Pedestrian Plaza (August 30-Sept. 14, 2024)
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Brooklyn
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300 Ashland Place, Brooklyn (August 29-September 16, 2024)
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Queens
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Location: TBD (September 15-October 15, 2024)
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These installations would not have been possible without our partners at Photoville, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Times Square Alliance, and Two Trees Management Co.