At Photo Fringe 2026 four exhibitions put young photographers in the spotlight, from open-call exhibitions bringing together work from across Sussex and Portsmouth, to projects connecting students across the world. Nurturing the next generation of photographic talent means giving young people the chance to experiment, develop their ideas and, importantly, share their work with others.
Image credit: Eleanor Queen, Portsmouth OPEN: Feedback Loop
Bringing together 17 young artists from nine schools across Sussex and curated by Photo Fringe through an open call, Newhaven Open: OPEN26 Young Photographers has given young photographers a platform to share their ideas and see their work become part of a wider festival, being displayed alongside other artists taking part in Newhaven Open.
The exhibition has been curated by photographer and Photo Fringe 2026 Assistant Producer, Phoebe Wingrove. She spoke about working on the project:
“This has been a great opportunity for the young participants to see their work printed and exhibited alongside their peers and professional artists. In a world where young people are experiencing so much of their lives in digital spaces, and with AI being used for creativity, it’s important we give them the opportunity to gain confidence in their own creative abilities, whilst giving them a platform to share their perspectives and thoughts with us all. It’s been wonderful to see a beautiful range of responses to Photo Fringe 2026’s theme Feedback Loop which has been enjoyed by many visitors.”
Ellen, one of the Young Photographers exhibiting at OPEN26 Young Photographers, said, “My experience in the exhibition was so inspiring, the work presented was amazing and beautiful. The people who organised this exhibition were all so lovely and welcoming!”.
Image: Visitors view the young photographers’ work at Newhaven Open
Portsmouth OPEN: Feedback Loop brings together 50 young photographers from across the city. Led by Karl Bailey of Pompey Darkroom, also through an open call with Photo Fringe, the exhibition showcases an exciting mix of ideas and photographic techniques, from digital images to darkroom prints and cyanotypes.
Bertie, a young exhibitor says, “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the exhibition. It’s been exciting to have my work displayed and to be part of a group of young people who are all passionate about photography. It’s given me the confidence to share my work and inspired me to keep experimenting and exploring new ideas.”
Karl added, “It’s been wonderful to see the exciting quality of submissions that have come through from across the city. These have been from young people we work directly with through our projects to those from local schools and colleges. Bringing Photo Fringe to Portsmouth has offered young people a challenge and an opportunity to think outside the box and to be a part of something bigger.”
Image: The Portsmouth OPEN: Feedback Loop installation. Images by Shauna Davey, Saphron Buckett, Ronnie Byng, Lydia Taylor, Afee-Mae Levett
Photo Conversations is a photography exchange project that brings students from different cultural and geographical contexts into dialogue through image-making. The project connects photography students from the University of Portsmouth and Hongik University in South Korea. Through a visual conversation, students offered glimpses into their everyday environments, cultures and perspectives. The exchange revealed unexpected connections, creating opportunities for dialogue, curiosity and mutual learning through photography.
Organised by multi-disciplinary artist, curator and educator Vera Hadzhiyska, she says, “For emerging artists and art students Photo Fringe is a brilliant opportunity to learn how to set up their own show… creating something they can be proud of and gaining valuable experience in sharing and talking about their work, building their creative network and discovering who they want to be as an artist.”
Image: Photo Conversations, Kwangbom Hong (L), Miles Steer (R)
UAL Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma Photography students at Brighton Metropolitan College interpreted the Photo Fringe 2026 theme Feedback Loop as their first project on their course. The result is Feedback Loop: Artivism, exploring photography as a catalyst for conversation, participation and social change.
Image: Brighton Met-College Exhibition, Photo Fringe 2026
These exhibitions show why it’s so important to invest in young creative voices and provide opportunities. Showing work publicly gives students the chance to see their ideas taken seriously, to discover how people respond to their images, make creative decisions and connect with the community.
The young photographers in this festival have surprised us, challenged our assumptions and brought new perspectives. Discover the talent for yourself, find out more about visiting these exhibitions during Photo Fringe 2026 below.
Exhibition info
Newhaven Open: OPEN26 Young Photographers
BN9 Marine Workshops, BN9 0ER
Until Sat 31 Oct, 10am—4pm (closed Mon—Wed)
Portsmouth OPEN: Feedback Loop
OPEN26 Young Photographers
Playland, Artswork, PO1 4BD
Until Sat 31 Oct, various times (closed Sun)
Private View Mon 26 Oct, 6—8pm
Photo Conversations
University of Portsmouth & Hongik University
Eldon Building, University of Portsmouth, PO1 2DJ
Until Mon 30 Nov, 9am—8pm (Fri 9am—6pm, closed Sat & Sun)
Brighton Met-College exhibition
UAL Foundation & Extended Diploma Photography Students
Brighton Metropolitan College, Pelham Street Campus, BN1 4FA
Until Fri 30 Oct, 9.30am—5.30pm (closed Sat & Sun)