Drawing inspiration from the The 80s: Photographing Britain, the workshop highlights how artists can cultivate courage and shape meaningful work, even in times of uncertainty. Participants will leave with tools to build and sustain their own authentic voices within the evolving creative landscape.
British artist Campbell Addy, celebrated for his striking portraiture and exploration of identity, is joined by curator, artist and cultural strategist J.G. Basdew, whose work bridges arts, culture, and community engagement, informed by his experience in business and geopolitics.
Together, they will offer insights into navigating the art world with intention, fostering a practice that resists commercial pressures while remaining authentic to personal and collective narratives.
Addy and Basdew will be part of a conversation with Ajamu X later in the day. The workshop is offered as part of Flashbacks, a day long programme exploring politics and photography.
Campbell Addy
British-Ghanaian artist, photographer and director Campbell Addy draws inspiration from his culturally diverse upbringing, this has informed an intricate discovery of the self and a unique eye. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2016 Addy’s striking imagery has garnered him international success and awards including the 2021 Forbes 30 under 30 list and the British Fashion Awards in both 2018 & 19. His first monograph ‘Feeling Seen - the photographs of Campbell Addy’ debuted in 2022 to critical acclaim.
In 2023 Addy collaborated with 180 Studios to create the major solo exhibition, I ❤ Campbell. Featuring a newly conceived set of images, original paintings and a short film shot on location in Ghana, I ❤ Campbell reflected a personal meditation on the artist's roots and inspirations. Following a year of much artistic growth in 2023 The British Fashion Council awarded Addy the Isabella Blow award for Fashion Creator.
J.G. Basdew
J.G. Basdew is a curator, artist, and cultural strategist whose work bridges arts, culture, and community engagement. An emerging voice in the international arts and culture landscape, Basdew draws on his background in business and geopolitics to shape bsdwcorp.—an artistic practice exploring identity, inclusion, intersectionality, and social cohesion. His multidisciplinary work spans performance art, curation, writing, theater-making, and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.
Central to his practice is yazija, a long-duration performance examining gender roles, male vulnerability, and identity’s fluidity. Guided by the belief that creativity can transform society, Basdew amplifies marginalized voices, fosters intergenerational dialogue, and approaches his work through an intersectional lens to challenge norms and inspire empathy. Alongside his artistic practice, Basdew serves in high-profile advisory roles within leading cultural institutions, advancing equity, diversity, and innovation. His work reimagines the power of art, shaping a bold vision for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Tate Britain's step-free entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.
There is a lift between the Lower and Main floors. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Accessible and standard toilets are located on the Lower floor.
- A Changing Places toilet is not currently available.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the ticket desk on the Lower floor.
To help plan your visit to Tate Britain, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 10.00–17.00)
