Women and Photography in Birmingham: Past and Present

Please note: tickets for this tour will be available from 10.00am on Saturday 15 August.

Following successful Collaborative Research Internships that enabled University of Birmingham students to work with Bertz Associates and PRISM Photography Network, this Culture Forward event focuses on the archive of German queer émigré photographer Lisel Haas, which is held in the City Archives in the Library of Birmingham, and the recently discovered archive of Birmingham activist photographer Rhonda Wilson.

What to expect

• Presentations will explore both archive projects, including insights from interns and team members from Bertz and PRISM
• A third presentation will feature reflections from contemporary photographers Rebecca Orleans and Oxana Bischin, who will outline their artistic practices and share experiences as female photographers working professionally in Birmingham
• We will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A

Do I need to book?

Yes. This event is free but ticketed. Please register for this event via the link in the top right of this page.

Facilities and accessibility

The event is being held at the Birmingham and Midland Institute (BMI), a historic Grade II listed property. Efforts have been made to support mobility and access needs; however, visitors with mobility and access requirements are encouraged to notify the BMI before attending to discuss in more detail how to make visits as accessible as possible:

Email: enquiries@bmi.org.uk

Tel: 0121 236 3591

Full accessibility details for the venue

This event is presented as part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2026.