Develop: Supporting and commissioning emerging creatives

Photo of young person at youth programme.

Develop: Supporting and commissioning emerging creatives

What is Develop? 

Develop is a three-year programme (2023-2026) that supports and commissions emerging creatives aged 18-24 through a series of talks and workshops around a photography-based outcome each year.  

How can I get involved?

If you are aged 18-24, you can take part in talks and workshops starting in September 2024 for the theme of AR. Bursary places are available, alongside paid places. 

Going forward, our events programme and cohort commission will have the following emphasis:

2024/25 - Extended Reality (XR)

2025/26 - Photography-based Publication

The Develop programme is supported by Kusuma Trust and individual contributors.

The theme for 2024/25 is Extended Reality (XR).

XR extends the medium of photography into interactive digital spaces. It encompasses Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR).

The programme begins in September 2024 with three months of XR-related talks and workshops. In December 2024, an application portal opens with a commissioning opportunity for six young people.

Successful applicants will be commissioned to create collective artwork or experience using digital media and tools. These commissions will be supported by gallery staff and 1:1 mentoring from industry professionals from January to June 2025. The final work will be shown in Soho Photography Quarter, as part of The Photographers’ Gallery’s public exhibition programme.

The Develop programme welcomes participants with no experience of XR. This programme aims to support you in learning new skills, navigating the creative industries, connecting with other creatives and having fun!

Please keep an eye on our What's On page for forthcoming events and the application process to join the Develop Collective. In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the programme or just want more information, please email Develop@tpg.org.uk 

Events & Opportunities

Past events on Making an Exhibition

I think the DEVELOP sessions have helped build my confidence to take on commissions.

Develop event participant

Develop timeline 2024/25

Develop 2024/5 timeline: 

September - December: Extended Realities workshops and talks open to everyone aged 18-24

Friday 13 December, noon: online applications open to be a part of the Extended Reality (XR) collective

w/b 13 January 2024: shortlisting and interviews for XR collective begin

w/b 27 January 2024: curatorial collective selected by Arieh and Rawanne

January – April 2024: monthly career events open to all 18–24-year-olds 

July 2024: commission is live with a celebration event

July - September 2024: XR-related events take place, organised by the collective

September 2024: New themed Develop programme begins for 18–24-year-olds (Publication)

If you have any questions regarding the programme or just want more information, please email Develop@tpg.org.uk