History & Mission

Baxter St at the Camera Club of New York, founded originally as The Camera Club of New York in 1884, is one of New York’s oldest arts organizations, providing lens-based artists with both working facilities and platforms for discussions as they develop their practice. In 2014, the organization moved to 126 Baxter St and adopted the new name, Baxter St at the Camera Club of New York. Also known as Baxter St, the organization reinvigorated a new wave of influence and impact through which the organization’s profile aligns with the mission to support, foster, and innovate contemporary dialogues around the medium and practice of photography and other lens-based arts. Baxter St continues to provide a workspace for both darkroom and digital lab access, as well as a range of programming from exhibitions to conversations series to a residency program.

In 2018 the organization opened a second location at 128 Baxter St. This is a shared location featuring a coffee shop, the Baxter St Cafe. Just two doors down, the multi-purpose space provides an extension to its current space for exhibitions, events and hosting talks along with other programming.

The complete historical archives of The Camera Club of New York are housed at the New York Public Library. Related collections are housed in the New York Historical Society and George Eastman House Library in Rochester, New York. This detailed record of the organization’s history reveals a dynamic organization with a strong commitment to education and a heritage of showcasing the works of photographers known and respected worldwide. It is the organization’s mission to continue these traditions and maintain the vitality of The Camera Club of New York for those who seek out photography’s expressive artistic potential.

Founded in 1884, Baxter St at the Camera Club of New York is one of New York’s oldest artist-run nonprofit spaces fostering the development of emerging lens-based artists at critical moments of their careers. Through dynamic programming and access to workspace, Baxter St at CCNY has long been a catalyst for innovative creation within the artistic mediums of photography and video practices. Ranging from exhibitions, workspace residency programs, and conversation series, our core mission is to support and activate a vibrant community deeply engaged in the art of lens-based contemporary practices.

To make a donation, please visit the Contribute to Baxter St at CCNY page.

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