Over the summer, sixteen students aged 16-18 were invited to explore what truly matters to them – people, places, objects – through a new photography project. The students are all part of the Common Ground project, which aims to support young and emerging artists pursue a creative career and access higher education.
Common Ground is an annual collaboration between Autograph and UAL Insights which invites a group of local sixth form and further education colleges students to explore themes of identity through photography. Created and facilitated by Adrian Wood and D Wiafe, this year’s programme used studio photography as a starting point, inviting the group to celebrate their individuality through portraiture.
This October, see the new portraits created by these young London photographers at the Old Street Digital Canvas. Each work uniquely different, they encapsulate what it means to grow up and live in London today.
Common Ground is an annual collaboration between Autograph and UAL Insights that introduces young people to photography through an artist-led programme.
Read moreBanner page: Sianna [detail], 2025. © and courtesy the artist
All images on the page © and courtesy the artist: 1) Yuliia, 2025. 2) Lemuel, 2025. 3) Dhillon, 2025.
About the project: Liv [detail], 2025. © and courtesy the artist
Autograph is a space to see things differently. Since 1988, we have championed photography that explores issues of race, identity, representation, human rights and social justice, sharing how photographs reflect lived experiences and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.