Brighton Photo Fringe has been running projects for Black History Month for over ten years. This year we are delighted to be collaborating with a graduate of our BPF16 Emerging Curators Programme, Jamila Prowse, editor of Typical Girls Magazine, to develop a project specially for young people. Evolving throughout the festival the project will be lead by a group of young people to deliver activities by and for young people inspired by our theme Photography Changes Everything.

Seeing yourself reflected in the cultural landscape is an integral part of belonging. Yet, for some, scrutinising the world around will bring no semblance of familiarity. For too long there has been a scarcity of diversity within popular culture. If you can’t see yourself being reflected in the world around you, how will you navigate your place within that world?

In recent years a rise in self-representation through small print publishing has led to a shift in the cultural landscape. Photography has been at the center point of this change. In a society which is dominated by visual imagery, a photograph can act as a powerful catalyst for progress. Reflections of Us recognises the power of the photograph as a tool through which to create a mirror; a space for our own identities to reflect back at us.

Curator Jamila Prowse, co-founder of Typical Girls Magazine, will work with young BAME people within Brighton to develop an ongoing exhibition throughout BPF18. The group will curate a display of work which will grow and expand alongside their ideas around photography and how it can be used to self-represent. Reflections of Us, provides a key opportunity to establish a visual representation of the BAME community in Brighton and a great way for all young people to participate in the festival.

Drop-in workshops will run at Phoenix on 6, 13, 20, and 27 October, 13.00–15.00. Free but please book your place on our website.

2018.photofringe.org