We are building a community-based photography darkroom and film photography learning hub in Kettering. Our goal is to create a shared hub and learning centre for all film and photography enthusiasts, students, artists and anyone wanting to learn, develop, print, and keep the craft of analogue photography alive. We will offer the residents of Kettering and wider Northamptonshire communities not only a vibrant photography hub but also an exciting range of workshops and activities.
The long-term impact will be the creation of a sustainable community photography hub that provides ongoing access to analogue photography, darkroom facilities, creative learning and social engagement. Participants will gain skills, confidence and opportunities that extend beyond their initial involvement, while the darkroom itself will become a lasting community asset. Through memberships, workshops, partnerships and volunteer development, the project will continue delivering educational, cultural and wellbeing benefits long after the grant period has ended. Success will be measured through participant progression, increased community participation, repeat engagement, volunteer growth, and the development of a vibrant local photography community.
Darkroom Workshops: From learning how to process your first black & white negatives to confidently using a photographic enlarger and making those magical darkroom prints.
Camera Workshops: Teaching the basics of a film camera and start the road to discovery of this amazing lifetime art.
Free-to-Use Film Cameras: Borrow one of our cameras for free and start shooting – no expensive gear required! Learn how to use the camera and then how to process the film and print their own photographs in their own community darkroom.
Alternative Process Workshops: We’ve got some exciting alternative technique teachers lined up to deliver some incredibly interesting workshops; dive into everything from Cyanotypes to Van Dyke Browns with workshops led by experienced tutors
Darkroom Memberships and Pay-as-you-go Options: Low-cost and affordable.
Preferential Student and Disadvantaged Community Discounts: Helping the next generation of photographers and artists afford their craft and expand their skills, and anyone in the community wanting to learn skills that last a lifetime.
Small Film and Supplies Shop: Visitors will be able to pick up film, chemistry and equipment from our small, discounted photography shop.
Volunteering Opportunities: We’d love to get volunteers involved in the heart of this new creative community, learning photography and printing methods that have been around for over two hundred years.
