In New York, Don McCullin met 15 high school students from NYC SALT, a nonprofit organization that provides multi-year photography instruction and mentorship for New York City teens. This was followed by María Berrío meeting a group from Culture For One, a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of New York City children and young adults living in foster care by providing them with arts opportunities and exposure to local cultural communities. Throughout the informal sessions both McCullin and Berrío shared valuable insights, experience and challenges, as well as providing an opportunity for participants to discuss ambitions for their own artwork.

This was our seventh collaboration with NYC SALT and our 12^th collaboration with Culture for One, including a recent exhibition visit and co-produced film with UK-based artist, Sonia Boyce in September. Each event involves vibrant and lively discussions firsthand with our artists, seeking to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for young people.

In Los Angeles, artist Anj Smith led an interactive exhibition walkthrough with high school students from Inner-City Arts. The session provided a forum to investigate connections between art, mysticism, female agency and philosophy, instigated by how Smith’s work collapses traditional definitions of portraiture, landscape and still life often begging viewers to stop and contemplate the inner worlds she’s constructed. Students discussed how they are beginning their own exploration of art historical influences, materiality and personal references within their work.

Founded in 1989, Inner-City Arts offers a safe, creative space in Los Angeles where more than 200,000 children have been invited to create and explore. Hauser & Wirth are proud to have been collaborating with the organisation alongside artists Jenny Holzer, Angel Otero, Henry Taylor, Jason Rhoades and Luchita Hurtado.