About Us
Photosynthesis is a non-profit providing photo spaces and community in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Our mission is to provide visual artists of all backgrounds and technical levels with the skills, tools, community and space necessary to create high-quality art at an affordable price.
Through our workshops and events, we help creators build confidence and technical skills, showcase and celebrate our people’s work, and develop a sense of community and belonging.
All of our activities seek to make visual storytelling accessible by lowering social, financial, and skill barriers.
Photosynthesis is governed by the Photosynthesis Trust
a charitable trust registered in New Zealand.
The Trust has the kaupapa / vision for the people of Ōtautahi Christchurch to be enabled and supported to create visual fine art photography, achieved by providing them with the tools, space and community that they require in inclusive, accessible and affordable photography spaces.
Whāinga / Purpose
operate safe, comfortable and inclusive spaces to create and connect within
provide professional grade equipment and support in its use
support connections between creatives and facilitate collaboration
facilitate events that improve artistic output through skill development, showcasing of work, social events, or other forms
support projects by helping artists and creators connect with external organisations.
Mātāpono / Principles
In striving to achieve its purpose, the Trust is committed to:
respecting the diversity of people and encouraging all people to use the Trust’s facilities and services
inspiring people and allowing opportunities to create art
working cooperatively with others in related artistic and commercial communities.
Trustees
Image to come
Jennifer Shields
Chair and Treasurer
Kieran Haymes
Secretary
Stuart Clook
Trustee
Liam Collins
Trustee
Volunteers
Photosynthesis is fully volunteer run and led by Kieran Haymes, Director of Photosynthesis.
Volunteering allows our community to share their knowledge, develop their skills, give back, and develop opportunities for our emerging and established artists by leveraging our spaces, people, tools and status as a non-profit with a strong reputation for delivery. Volunteers are backed with free access to our spaces and tools and act as advocates for our art form as representatives of our organisation.
Kieran Haymes // Ellen Jarrett // Liam Collins // Jennifer Shields // Stuart Clook // Irenie How // Janneth Gil // Richard Laing // Kevin Fedde // Melanie Kerkvliet // Napat Chutchaivech (Thung) // Yulin Huang // Rewa Rendall // Moana Lee // Heather Milne // Ameena Hamza // Joe Harrison // Rebecca Low // Ella Hickford // Federico Corradi // Jazlyn Manera
Mark Racle // Anna Pearson // Giada Sami // Roslyn McLean // Georgia Gumbrell // Hasti Piltan // Muhammad Haiqal Deski Samad // Maraed Riley // Justine Berry // Punahikoia Brazier // Lucy Huang // Daniel Ido // Xanthe Cohen
People who have Volunteered
Join Our Team
Help us run our monthly and one-off sessions. This could be in the darkroom, the studio, around the city, or behind the scenes. Add to our existing events or propose your own.
Running events
Photography and Video
Capturing the awesome things we are doing, helping emerging artists, assisting in the studio. Taking stills, editing, or sharing expertise. Making tutorials and growing our presence through content.
A huge amount happens behind the scenes. Admin, outreach, planning, design, construction - almost any skill set helps. You will have something to offer!
Everything Else
