Übermorgen in Manchester: Exploring New Models for Cultural Institutions
I recently photographed a visit to Manchester by participants in Übermorgen – New Models for Cultural Institutions, a programme supported by the German Federal Cultural Foundation. The initiative brings together leaders from museums, galleries, theatres and cultural organisations across Germany to explore new approaches to public engagement, participation and institutional development.
Manchester was selected as one of the programme's destinations because of its reputation for cultural innovation and the ways in which the city has transformed its cultural infrastructure over the past two decades. Through visits, discussions and site-specific case studies, participants examined how cultural institutions can operate as active civic spaces while remaining connected to the communities they serve.
Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026: Exhibition Documentation of More to Come
Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026, titled More to Come, presented final-year work across Manchester Metropolitan University’s Oxford Road campus, with exhibitions installed throughout multiple buildings including dedicated spaces for Fine Art, Design, Architecture, Fashion, Performance and Digital Arts.
This post documents the exhibition itself during its public opening period, focusing on installed artworks, gallery spaces, and the presentation of student work across the Degree Show.
Unlike the opening night coverage, this set of images concentrates on how the work exists within the exhibition environment once installed and open to the public.
Manchester School of Art Final Year Show Opening
Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026, titled More to Come, opened across Manchester Metropolitan University’s Oxford Road campus, presenting final-year work from students across art, design, architecture, fashion, performance and digital disciplines.
The Degree Show is a key annual exhibition within Manchester’s creative education calendar, transforming multiple university buildings into a public presentation of graduating student work. The 2026 exhibition continues this format, showcasing a wide range of practices developed within Manchester School of Art.
Manchester Fashion Institute INTERFACES Showcase Photography
I photographed the Manchester Fashion Institute INTERFACES showcase at Manchester Metropolitan University on 19 May, documenting the runway presentations, exhibition spaces, and the atmosphere throughout the evening. The event brought together graduate fashion collections, digital work, and live presentations across Holden Gallery and the surrounding university spaces.
Michaela Yearwood-Dan at the Whitworth, Exhibition Opening
I photographed the opening of Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. The exhibition brings together painting, ceramics and sound across several rooms in the gallery, with works placed so the installation shifts as you move through it.
Vinyl Against Apartheid: Event Photography in Manchester at The Carlton Club
As a Manchester event photographer, you get used to a wide range of gigs—but every now and then something comes along that feels a bit more meaningful. Photographing Vinyl Against Apartheid’s Get Funked For Falastine was one of those nights. It wasn’t just about the music or the crowd—it was about what the event stood for.
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum: Documentary Event Photography by David Oates
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum was a full-day and evening programme of talks, workshops, performances and installations exploring the relationship between music, nature and climate. The event brought together artists, scientists, activists and audiences in a shared space, combining cultural programming with environmental themes.
The event was part of the wider EarthSonic project, which focuses on using sound and music as a way to engage people with biodiversity and climate issues.
Manchester Conference Photography: Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase Event Coverage
I recently photographed the Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase, organised by the Centre for Digital Innovation and held in Manchester. The event brought together technology companies, researchers, and innovators working across fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital manufacturing, and sustainable technology.
Photographing the Manchester Artist Teacher Collective
Manchester Artist Teacher Collective (MATC) is a group of artist teachers from secondary schools and colleges across Manchester, and gallery educators from Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth and HOME. They foster collaboration between art educators, local artists, studios and gallery spaces. Through this collaboration, they seek to develop and share artistic and educational expertise, enabling teachers to engage with contemporary practices and sustained personal making. By centring on the artist teachers’ own creative development, the collective highlights the local cultural ecology and future opportunities within Manchester for the young people they teach.
Documenting an Art Fund Event Across Liverpool’s Museums and Galleries
Art Fund is the UK’s national charity supporting museums and galleries. For over 120 years grants have helped them to acquire, commission and display great works of art, fund curatorial training and research, and reach new communities and audiences across the UK. Their Art Partners are a group of patrons who share our passion for museums and galleries, providing annual support that makes our work possible. I was asked to document a patron’s event in Liverpool that gave exclusive insights into their work and the museums they support.
Photographing Meer Ali Khan for the Wall Street Journal
It was a privilege to meet Meer Ali Khan while on assignment for the Wall Street Journal.
Meer’s brother was killed only three months after starting work on the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. He hopes that by raising awareness of the fate suffered by his family, he can help prevent similar tragedies caused by harsh and unsafe working conditions.
Photographing the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show at the Reopened Holden Gallery
The Holden Gallery in Manchester has now reopened following a major two-year refurbishment of the historic Grosvenor building, revitalizing its exhibition spaces and offering a fresh, contemporary setting for art. I was recently back at the gallery to photograph the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show, an annual highlight that showcases the incredible talent of emerging artists from across the UK.