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“I think of photography as a process of knowledge—I do not believe in a definitive result—there are only stages.” Guido Guidi 

Werkstatt: is a space dedicated to the appreciation, knowledge, questioning and creative development of documentary + art photography and visual culture. Werkstatt: offers education, editions, exhibitions, opening a forum for dialogue about the powerful impact of photography on our complex societies. 

Werkstatt: is honoured to have Anders Petersen as a patron. His honest, sensitive and grounded approach to life, as expressed in his photography, is the very essence of what Werkstatt: stands for. Werkstatt: was founded by Michael Grieve in 2023.

Werkstatt: is inspired by the ethos of independent schools of photography, free from the constraints of institutions; Christer Strömholm's, Fotoskolan Academy in Stockholm (1962-74), Michael Schmidt's, Werkstatt für Photographie in Berlin (1976-86), Thomas Sandberg & Werner Mahler's, Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie in Berlin (2004-), are prime examples of particular forms of education that blend documentary and artistic practice and encourage a subjective sensibility. Such schools are born from passionate photographers with the emphasis on making work without the necessity for qualifications.

Education:
12 Month Program: Michael Grieve, Patricia Morosan, Francesca Comune & Calin Kruse teach a program with monthly weekend seminars. Participating photographers, begin with small assignments, and then develop a major project, gaining knowledge and inspiration from experienced invited guest lecturers. The program also adds a theoretical component to better understand and contextualise contemporary photography within the historical continuum of this discursive medium.

8 Month Masterclass: Adam Broomberg, Berlin: October 2026 - May 2027 
Workshop: Anandi Foundation, Kolkata, India: 14-27 October 2026. Teachers: Michael Grieve and Francesca Comune.
Workshop: Peter Puklus, Berlin: 30 September - 04 October 2026 

Editions: 
Werkstatt: Editions is a new independent publishing house dedicated to photobooks and visual culture. The Institution Trilogy by Anders Petersen will be the first book to be published in 2026. Co-directors/editors of Werkstatt: Editions are Michael Grieve and Theofanis Dalezios

Exhibitions:
Werkstatt: Exhibitions presents a space for the range and diversity of photography, both past and present. Since 2023 the gallery has exhibited Anders Petersen, JH Engström, Bertien van Manen, Michael Grieve, Rut Blees Luxemburg, Ute Mahler & Werner Mahler, Axel Beyer, Paolo Pellegrin. Our inaugural exhibition was the seminal work, Cafe Lehmitz (1978), photographs concentrated in a bar on the Reeperbahn in the early 70’s by Swedish photographer, Anders Petersen. 

Berlin + Athens:
Werkstatt: is located in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin and will soon be opening a studio for workshops in Athens.

Cover foto: Francesca Comune