Develop your practice with Catalyst
Deadline: 30 October 2026
Catalyst is a new artist development programme delivered by Photoworks and Pompey Darkroom, supporting photographers from Portsmouth and the wider region to develop their practice, connect with like-minded peers and learn from leading voices working across photography.
Running from November 2026 to March 2027, Catalyst will bring together 8 photographers for five months of masterclasses, discussion, peer learning and professional development.
Catalyst is part of Photography Champions, a national initiative led by Photoworks and supported by public funding through Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.
Catalyst offers the opportunity to learn and receive guidance from an exciting line-up of guest speakers working across photography and creative practice:
Jermaine Francis – On presenting your work & expanded photography
Amak Mahmoodian – On research & approaches to making
Gordon MacDonald – On bookmaking
Danit Ariel – On curating
Alejandra Carles-Tolra – On facilitation as practice
Alongside the masterclasses, the programme includes 1-to-1 mentoring, with individual sessions shaped around your interests, needs and practice as you progress through the programme.
Participants will also have the opportunity to develop new work or take an existing project further, with a dedicated budget for the group to decide how they want to present work developed during the programme. This could include an exhibition, public event, or photobook.
The programme fee is £200. Two fully-funded bursary places are also available for photographers based in Portsmouth who may not be able to afford the programme fee. If you would like to be considered for a bursary, please indicate this in your application.