Develop your practice with Catalyst
Catalyst is a new artist development programme delivered by Pompey Darkroom and Photoworks, 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.
In Plain Sight: Photography, Power and Public Space in Britain. Installation View, Matèria. Jermaine Francis.
False Flags. Installation View, Peckham 24. Gordon MacDonald.
What the programme offers
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.
Who can apply & cost
Catalyst is open to UK-based emerging photographers. We particularly welcome applications from photographers based in Portsmouth and the wider South region.
There is a total of 8 places available for this first year of the programme. It will take place through a combination of online and in-person sessions, including weekday evenings and weekends. Commitment to the programme is key.
The programme fee is £200. This can be paid in full or split into two payments, with the first payment in November and the second in February.
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.
How to apply
To apply for Catalyst, please send your applications as one PDF to submissions@pompeydarkroom.co.uk with ‘Catalyst’ as the subject line.
In your application, please include the following:
Artist CV
A maximum 400-word statement explaining why you would like to apply and how you think the programme will benefit you
A link to your website and social media
A PDF selection of your images
If you are based in Portsmouth and would like to be considered for a bursary, please include this in your application.
Applications close on 16 October 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified following the application deadline.
The first introductory session of the programme will take place on Monday 2 November, 6pm-8pm