Youth Programme

Sam © Tilly Hume

Our Youth Programme empowers young people to explore photography as a tool for self-expression and social change. Through hands-on workshops,  after-school clubs and collaborations with youth organisations, participants develop creative and technical skills, with opportunities to exhibit their work in professional settings and contribute to wider community projects.

Artist, Gulshan Khan visiting a local school. Image © Rita Long

Our workshops give young people the chance to explore photography as a creative and powerful form of storytelling. Most take place in schools, linking directly to the national curriculum or as a standalone after-school club, while others are designed for specific youth groups. Working with the Canon Young People Programme and the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact at the University of Northampton, we use the Photovoice methodology to help participants express their ideas through images. Visiting photographers and artists regularly lead sessions, offering students unique insight and inspiration — and a real advantage in their coursework and exams. We also offer workshops for school and youth groups in the museum. Contact hello@hundredheroines.org for further information.

On Saturday mornings, we offer a welcoming and supportive space for young women and girls to explore photography and develop their creativity. Each session draws inspiration from our library and collection, introducing participants to pioneering women photographers and powerful visual stories. They can experiment with professional Canon cameras, learn new techniques and express their own ideas through image-making. With gentle guidance from our team and visiting artists, the sessions encourage confidence and self-expression.

Throughout the year, we host a series of pop-up exhibitions celebrating the creativity and achievements of our youth participants. These displays take place in a variety of settings – from the museum’s gallery to outdoor installations and partner venues – ensuring the work reaches wide and diverse audiences. Each exhibition showcases powerful stories told through photography, reflecting the voices and perspectives of young people. We also provide students with the opportunity to curate their own displays within the museum or online, often marking their first public exhibition and offering valuable experience in presenting work professionally and confidently.

We offer a wealth of resources to inspire and support young photographers, teachers and youth leaders. Alongside our growing library, our collection and archives include socially engaged photography, educational materials and works exploring a diverse range of subjects, including art, identity and the environment. Many of these resources are available to browse in the museum, whilst our online hub provides a range of downloadable materials — from creative photography activities for use at home, to classroom-ready resources that link to the national curriculum. Together, they help young people explore visual storytelling, critical thinking and the power of images to inspire change.

Our work experience opportunities give students (from schools and universities)  the chance to step behind the scenes and explore the fascinating world of photographic archives. Participants learn professional archiving practices, from cataloguing and preservation to digital documentation, gaining insight into how museums care for and interpret collections. With guidance from our team, students are encouraged to follow their own lines of curiosity, uncover hidden stories and make new connections between images, artists and ideas. It’s a chance to become an archive detective — developing valuable skills while discovering the rich histories that shape contemporary photography.