Faces in Common Workshop

Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Wolverhampton School of Art, Wolverhampton

The photographic studio is often understood as a neutral space, stripped of the cultural and social elements that shape identity. In this workshop, Marley Starsky Butler and Euripides Altintzoglou propose alternative approaches to portraiture, foregrounding conversation and collaboration as creative tools.

Event outline:

Participants will explore strategies that allow the artist’s intentions and the sitter’s representational desires to co-exist within the image. Through guided dialogue and practical experimentation, attendees will have the opportunity to direct their own portraits by adapting lighting setups, incorporating objects and props, and selecting backdrops.

The workshop concludes with a collaborative editorial session, where Marley and Euripides will support participants in selecting a final image for print, resulting in one completed photographic work per participant.

Information for participants:

No prior experience is necessary for this session. Attendees are highly encouraged to bring along any personal clothing items or props they would like to use. All participants much be 18+.

Faces in Common is delivered by Wolverhampton School of Art It is supported by Contemporary Visual Arts Network East Midlands and Contemporary Visual Arts Network West Midlands as part of Ode to the Midlands. The programme invests in artists, organisations, and audiences across the Midlands, strengthening regional connections and expanding access to digital visual arts.

This event forms part of a wider series of Ode to the Midlands workshops, generously supported by universities and partners across the East and West Midlands. All workshops are free and open to the public, offering opportunities to develop digital skills, encourage experimentation, and build confidence across the sector.

Ode to the Midlands is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Access:

The venue has level access and accessible toilet facilities. On the day, we will meet all attendees in the main foyer and escort everyone together to the Studios.

For full details visit cvanwestmidlands.co.uk