Presented at The Exchange, the former municipal bank in Centenary Square, Sunsets, Food and Friendship, is an exhibition of young people’s photography focused on the importance of culture, heritage and identity in shaping a sense of self and belonging.

Ikon partnered with three photographers – Mahtab Hussain, Ayesha Jones and Vic Moyosola – with students at Joseph Chamberlain College, Pinc College and Selly Park Girls School. The artists’ residencies form part of Researching Educational Partnerships (REPS), led by Reza Gholami, Professor of Sociology of Education at University of Birmingham.

Hussain, Jones and Moyosola supported the students in developing their own photography and portraiture practices, using photo-voice as a method of research and reflection, and developing skills including digital and dark room photography, journal writing, field work and studio practice. Students visited Ikon Gallery and helped curate this presentation. It coincided with Mahtab Hussain’s exhibition What Did You Want To See? at Ikon Gallery (20 March – 1 June 2025).

Three academics, working in education and social policy – Dr Emily Ball, Dr Saba Hussain and Dr Kamran Khan –  accompanied the artists at the schools and colleges. In dialogue with teachers – Himarni Brownsword, Lauren Clarke and Navi Kaur – the researchers evaluated the students’ approach to co-production, collectively steering their individual projects towards relevant topics.

“We commissioned this project to address questions relating to diversity and belonging in schools, and the well-documented educational challenges that spring from them. Our aim has been to work directly with local communities, including students themselves, to develop innovative educational practices in which the arts play a central role.” Reza Gholami, Professor of Sociology of Education, University of Birmingham

This exhibition is commissioned by University of Birmingham and supported by UKRI Quality-Related (QR) funding.