Is photography a democratic medium, as many throughout history have argued? If so, in what ways? And why?

Our collective investigates photography’s assumed democratic credentials as an art form and a medium of mass communication. We believe a historical perspective on the complex relationship between photography and democracy is critical to understanding how the medium and related visual technologies can address the social and political issues of our time.

For our inaugural 2024/25 program, we are delighted to present a six-part series of virtual lectures and accompanying readings with Shawn Michelle Smith, Brenna Wynn Greer, Thy Phu, Darren Newbury, Ileana Selejan, and Patricia Hayes.

Image: The Chartist Meeting on Kennington Common, William Edward Kilburn, 10 April 1848. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust.