Ariel Mercado is an arts administrator primarily focused on arts education and appreciation. They are the founder of The Salon, a BIPOC artist cooperative based in NY. They produce and  collaborate with local artists to build workshops, showcases and host a once monthly inquiry based critique.

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          Mercado has utilized their experience in education, events and project management to inform their approach to arts programming. Their goal is to create a more equitable art world that centers and empowers the experiences of the marginalized.