In May 1968 the newly formed photography department of Prahran Technical School (known as Prahran College of Advanced Education (PCAE) from 1973) moved into the basement of a freshly completed art and design building on the corner of High Street and Thomas Street in Melbourne’s inner southeastern suburb of Prahran. Here, for the first time in Australia, photography was taught as an artform.

Featuring the work of close to 60 artists, The basement brings to light rare vintage prints from the 1960s through to the early 1980s, key archival ephemera and folio work – from students and teachers of the College’s Diploma of Art & Design (Photography). It was a period where new discussions developed quickly around the possibilities of what photography could be.

Under the vanguard of influential photographers such as John Cato, Paul Cox and Athol Shmith, the school became a breeding ground for some of this country’s most important art photographers: Carol Jerrems, Bill Henson, Nanette Carter, Rod McNicol, Polly Borland, Peter Milne, Robert Ashton, Philip Quirk, Peter Leiss, Jacqueline Mitelman, Mimmo Cozzolino, Graham Howe and Julie Millowick, among many others.

Curated by MAPh Senior Curator Angela Connor + MAPh Curator Stella Loftus-Hills

Image: Philip QUIRK Suzanne Budds 1973 (detail), courtesy of the artist

Develop highlights a selection of standout 2024 Bachelor-degree graduates from Melbourne’s tertiary institutions, showcasing the fresh vision and talent of emerging photographic artists. This annual exhibition serves as a launchpad, offering each artist the opportunity to present their work as they step into the next phase of their careers. Featuring artists from six universities and a broad spectrum of styles and techniques, Develop is a celebration of Australia’s next generation of photographers.

Curators | Stella Loftus-Hills, MAPh Curator and Ingrid Wood, MAPh Education & Public Engagement Coordinator

Image: Kaylee LAUNDER Within the darkness lies hope 2024, courtesy of the artist

MAPh is delighted to announce that submissions are now open for the 2025 Bowness Photography Prize.

The prize invites entries from artists working with photography. Entries for the Bowness Photography Prize will be considered from still photo-based media including analogue and digital photography, produced within the last year.

This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the prize, seeing some significant changes that enable a rich prize offering. We’re pleased to announce an increase to $50,000 for the winner and $2,500 cash awarded to two Honourable Mentions. Shortlisted artists will also be paid loan fees for the exhibition of their works. These changes have been enabled by a substantial philanthropic gift from the Bowness Family Foundation, which reinforces the prominence of the prize and cements the importance of photography into the future.

Image: Robert FIELDING Sacred earth/Manta Miil miilpa 2024 (detail) courtesy of the artist (Winner 2024 Bowness Photography Prize)