Originally founded as the Photo Co-op in 1984 in Wandsworth, South London, Photofusion has metamorphosed from a small collective of documentary photographers to becoming London’s largest independent photography resource centre, moving to new premises in the vibrant heart of Brixton in 1991 and receiving a National Lottery Award in 1995 for further expansion of premises.

Photofusion provides a diverse range of photographic services that continually respond to the revolution and evolution of lens-based imagery. With analogue, digital and moving image facilities, Photofusion accomplishes its key function of delivering vital training, support and career progression to photographers of all abilities.

The centre's facilities include digital suites, professional photographic studio, darkrooms, exhibition production services, picture library/agency alongside a contemporary gallery which places an emphasis on showcasing emerging photographers, alongside new work by mid-career artists. The exhibition programme includes artist talks, panel discussions and occasional related masterclasses or workshops.

Alongside the professional development and training programme, Photofusion delivers a range of crucial outreach engagement projects, working with socially and culturally marginalised young people, offering photographer-led creative programmes, skills-based accredited courses, bursaries and internships in collaboration with local organisations and a range of funding partners.

The continually expanding membership scheme, which has supported many award-winning photographers, now hosts quarterly members-only events including a regular photo-forum, practical demonstrations and critical talks and discussions on establishing a photographic practice.
As a National Portfolio Organisation, the ongoing investment from Arts Council England enables Photofusion to maintain its innovative, high-quality facilities that continually address and support the creative, technical and critical development of a photographer’s practice so the organisation can continue its commitment to support photography in the UK. We consolidate ACE support, which amounts to 25% of our overall income, with public grants and income generated through the centre’s commercial activities.

Photofusion’s gallery has established a growing reputation for showcasing work that looks beyond photography’s traditional forms towards innovative ways of using the medium and extending its vocabulary. Photofusion encourages work that has a strong thematic basis dealing with contemporary issues, whether social, environmental, cultural or aesthetic.

The gallery represents up to eight exhibitions a year to a continually expanding audience accompanied by a popular programme of regular talks and seminars, led by leading contemporary photographers, curators, academics and critics, which provide a mutually beneficial platform for discussion and feedback.

The exhibitions policy focuses on early career photographers and has been a successful platform for numerous photographers being shortlisted for, or winning, high profile prizes, commissions and publishing contracts, reflecting the centre’s mission for nurturing emerging talent.

The gallery also showcases the work of young participants on our community-based Creative Engagement Programmes, many of whom achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Awards and are mentored into roles within the creative industries.