Who we are and what we do

Our mission is to be the home for the next generation of photography

A vistor engages with an augmented reality artwork by Mohamed Bourouissa

Who we are and what we do

Our mission is to be the home for the next generation of photography

The Photographers’ Gallery is a place for the discovery, exploration and understanding of photography in all its forms, and has been since we opened our doors more than 50 years ago in our first home in Covent Garden. 

Through our in-person and online programme – from exhibitions, talks, lates and workshops, to courses, tours, and more – we aim to inspire conversation and collaboration, and explore the beauty, complexity and future of photography. There’s even an outdoor exhibition in Soho Photography Quarter to see day or night, just outside the Gallery. 

Our unique, specialist bookshop, dedicated gallery for the discovery and sale of photographic prints and buzzy cafe all add to the experience of a visit to The Photographers’ Gallery. 

We are driven by: 

  • Sharing stories and revealing narratives that go beyond the frame – into the wider and richer human context. Photography is the beginning, not the end of the story. 
  • Nurturing artists throughout their careers and actively seeking underrepresented voices in the people and communities we work with and welcome into our spaces. We want to reach new audiences to create a more diverse and representative visual culture. 
  • Joining up everything we do virtually and in our Soho home to create open and welcoming digital and physical spaces, where people can share, collaborate and be inspired. 

Whether you visit in person or online, we aim to share extraordinary work from photographers and image-makers of all ages, races, genders, sexualities, backgrounds and abilities. 

We believe that a diverse and equitable society is essential for creativity and growth. Since our founding we have been committed to supporting and showcasing a broad range of contributors and practices that reflect and inform the world we live in. We strive to be a fully inclusive and progressive environment for everyone who visits, takes part and works with us. 

Our communities 

As a charity The Photographers’ Gallery is reliant on the support of our community. From joining as a member to making a one-off donation or buying a coffee, your support makes a huge difference. 

We owe everything to the generosity of the people and communities that fuel us – an engaged, diverse and committed community of photographers, artists and collaborators; staff and trustees; visitors and followers; members, patrons and supporters, sponsors and partners. 

We want our digital and physical spaces to be open and welcoming to all; and be a considerate and respectful place for our growing community. 

Our environment 

Photography plays an essential role in documenting the climate crisis. We know that photography itself needs to be more sustainable and the Gallery needs to reduce its own impact on the planet.  

From supporting photographers who advocate ‘greener’ techniques, to pledging to reduce our carbon footprint through reduced transportation, energy efficient lighting, recycling and sharing resources with other arts organisations and reducing print, we aim to be a consciously future-forward, fit for purpose organisation. 

We are part of the Gallery Climate Coalition - an international community of arts organisations working together to reduce our sector’s environmental impacts.