Opening Night Un/Common Ground: Class of January 2026

Join us for the Opening Night of Un/Common Ground Exhibition at The Handbag Factory, Thursday 22 January, 6-9pm.

Un/Common Ground showcases photographic work that celebrate community and the shared humanity that connect us—while honouring the cultural diversity and traditions that make us unique.

This vibrant exhibition features work by our trainees, alumni, and youth group. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow creatives, discover new talent, and learn more about the opportunities we offer at The Photography Foundation.

On the Opening Night, we’ll be:

• Showcasing and selling zines designed by our trainees
• Accepting donations to support our charitable mission

If you’re able to contribute, thank you, your support helps us continue empowering the next generation of photographers

Additional Opening Hours
The exhibition will also be open from Friday 23 January – Monday 26 January 2026, 11:00am – 5pm with free drop-in activities and events. Please select and book the relevant free weekend event tickets here.

Free Drop-In Activities & Events - Book your free tickets here
1. Collaborative Canvas Workshop - Saturday 24 January, 11:30am - 1:30pm (Free & drop-in)
Facilitated by TPF Alumna Fatima Kamate, join this interactive group collage workshop by using up-cycled materials. The collaborative canvas creates a common ground where individual stories merge into a collective.

2. Pop-up Portraits - Saturday 24 January & Sunday 25 January, 12pm - 4pm (Free & drop-in)
Join solo, with family, or a friend and have one picture taken by our trainees and get a printed copy during your exhibition visit.

3. Roundtable Forum Discussion - Saturday 24 January, 2-3pm (Free & drop-in)
Join our trainees for an engaging and relaxed discussion with prompts. The theme of this roundtable discussion will explore how emerging creatives can sustain a practice amid ongoing funding cuts, while unpacking barriers around class, access, and representation in the creative industries.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

About the Organisers

The Photography Foundation was created to provide pathways to professional photography for less advantaged young adults in London by offering education, practical experience, and routes to a career in the creative industries. The Photography Foundation acknowledges that commercial photography can be a stressful career and feel isolating at times.

Our six-month commercial photography training programme provides a supportive and inspiring environment where you can take your professional photography skills to the next level, develop a commercially-focused portfolio tailored to your career goals, and grow your independent voice whilst gaining as much practical experience as you can.

Accessibility

• The Handbag Factory is accessible by both tube and overground.
• The gallery spaces and toilets are situated on the ground floor, with ramps in place to support step-free access.
• If you have any accessibility requirements or questions, please email events@thephotographyfoundation.org as we will be happy to help.

Image credits: @ThePhotographyFoundation @TheHandbagFactory @TazRahman

The Photography Foundation Class of Summer 2025

Image credit @Shannay Henry-Brown

Image credit @JamieBeckford

Image credit @CorneliusVita

The Handbag Factory Building Entrance

The Handbag Factory Nearing Tube Stations