STEPHEN NICHOLAS

June 18. 2004

RE: "We Are the Light"

A Photographic Project to Support the Children of Harlem Hospital Center

To Whom it May Concern:

I write in strong support of Martine Barrat's request for funding for the above-referenced project. I am a long-time aficionado of photography, have previously served and am currently on the Board of Trustees of The Aperture Foundation, dedicated to publishing fine-arts photography; and have worked at Harlem Hospital Center since 1982. What distinguishes Martine Barrat is not only her superb eye for "decisive moments." but the fact that she has creatively, sensitively and tirelessly photographed Harlem for the past 30 years. She is an extraordinarily talented photographer who, every afternoon, walks the streets, talks with members of the community, and captures the spirit, stories, and energy of this unique and historically-important neighborhood.

*We Are the Light" is a photographic project mutually conceived by to Martine and myself, in which approximately 200 images- selected from her vast archive of work- will be used to create a show for permanent installation on the pediatric wards of Harlem Hospital Center. While we health care providers do our best to heal sick and injured children with conventional means, we know that the arts can play a significant role in healing. Therefore, "We Are the Light" is, at its core, a project that not only will improve the quality of life for children who are inpatients at our hospital but which will augment the work we do. The children of Harlem are one of the most disadvantaged groups in New York City. They have higher rates of low birth weight, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, asthma, lead poisoning, poor dental health, obesity, and injuries that any other neighborhood in the city. I believe "We Are the Light" will be an extremely important project that will greatly benefit the children and families whom we care for. I urge you to provide financial support for Ms. Barrat's proposal. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require further information about the Department of Pediatrics at Harlem Hospital Center.