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IDEA 2025/26
Online Masterclass On Conceptual Thinking

Under the guidance of artist Adam Broomberg, participants will start a new project and interrogate an idea using a range of visual and theoretical strategies.

  • Head professor Adam Broomberg
  • Where Online
  • When October 2025 to May 2026
  • Language English
  • Positions 13 seats +1 scholarship
  • Dedication 60+ Hours
  • Earlybird fee €1,850
  • Full fee €2,200
  • Contacts If you have any questions you can reach us at edu@phmuseum.com

Develop An Idea Into A Conceptually Solid Project

The masterclass with artist Adam Broomberg will help practicing or aspiring photographic artists to transform the seed of an idea into its fullest realisation. With his wide ranging experience in different photographic mediums – from analogue large format photography to Artificial Intelligence –, Broomberg will guide participants on how to interrogate an idea using a range of visual and theoretical strategies.

Participants should come to this programme with a germ of an idea: a particular area of focus, be it a political or social issue, a geographic region, or a bad dream that won’t leave them alone. Something they are preoccupied and obsessed with, and wish to transform into an object, an exhibition, a book, a film or all of the above. Throughout the 8-month masterclass, they will have the opportunity to build a solid project and make sure the outcome somehow engages, challenges or pushes the boundaries of the photographic medium.

At the end of the masterclass, a selection of participants will have their work featured in PhMuseum’s new annual printed publication.

To participate, click the Apply Now button and present your candidature for free. If your candidacy is successful, we will guide you to enroll in the program. To be considered for the fully funded scholarship, please apply before 8 May 2025.

How it works

  • Group Sessions

    In a collective and collaborative environment, the 4 Group Sessions will allow you to present the current status of your work, collect feedback from both the head professor and the class, and move forward. You will follow a set of protocols called the “feedback technique” designed to allow for productive, challenging but supportive critique.

  • Seminars

    Across 5 seminars, Adam Broomberg will delve into different methodologies, spanning from the archive to AI, from traditional documentary to conceptual critical practice, drawing the path that leads from an idea to its most proper dissemination.

  • One-On-One Mentoring

    The 3 online 30-min individual coaching sessions will give you time to engage in specific discussions aimed at working on your assignment ideas and improving your methods. Sessions are tailor-made according to your specific needs and that of your practice.

  • Studio Visits

    To grant you industry insight and offer complementary information, we have invited expert practitioners to host 10 interactive Studio Visits. They will disclose the methodologies behind their work and offer you a better understanding of their role in the industry. Scroll down to discover who they are. These sessions will also be joined by CRITICAE, CURAE, FOLIO and MEDIAE Masterclasses participants.

  • Develop and publish your work

    At the end of the masterclass, participants will have developed visual and theoretical strategies for their projects. Plus, a selection of works will be published in PhMuseum’s new annual printed publication.

Head professor

Adam Broomberg

Adam Broomberg has published over 15 photographic monographs and has exhibited at the world’s most prestigious institutions including Centre Pompidou, The Hasselblad Museum, MoMa and, most recently at the Venice Biennale. His awards include the Deutsche Borse Photography Award, the Arles photo-text book award and the ICP infinity award for his legendary publication The Holy Bible.

During his prolific photographic career he has maintained a commitment to teaching, most recently as Professor of Photography at HfBK in Hamburg and he remains part of the faculty at The Royal Academy of art (KABK) in the Hague where he is practise supervisor.

Timeline

  • October 2025

    • Session 1 Introductory Meeting with PhMuseum Team
    • Session 2 Seminar #1: From documentary to concept (the importance of dishonesty)
    • Session 3 Group Presentation #1
    • Session 4 Group Presentation #1
    • Session 5 Studio Visit #1
  • November

    • Session 6 One-On-One Mentoring #1
    • Session 7 Studio Visit #2
    • Session 8 Studio Visit #3
  • December

    • Session 9 Seminar #2: How to tame the Archive
    • Session 10 Collective Tutoring #1
    • Session 11 Collective Tutoring #1
    • Session 12 Studio Visit #4
  • January 2026

    • Session 13 Seminar #3: Blame the Algorithm
    • Session 14 One-On-One Mentoring #2
    • Session 15 Studio Visit #5
    • Session 16 Studio Visit #6
  • February

    • Session 17 Collective Tutoring #2
    • Session 18 Collective Tutoring #2
    • Session 19 Studio Visit #7
  • March

    • Session 20 Seminar #3: Making peace with your medium
    • Session 21 One-On-One Mentoring #3
    • Session 22 Studio Visit #8
    • Session 23 Studio Visit #9
  • April

    • Session 24 Seminar #4: Bringing it all together
    • Session 25 Studio Visit #10
  • May

    • Session 26 Group Presentation #2 - Live YouTube Final Presentation

Studio visits

Why participate?

  • Acquire practical skills

    Get a first-hand experience from an internationally renowned artist like Adam Broomberg, broadening your theoretical and practical approach to conceptual thinking.

  • Flexibility

    Enroll from anywhere in the world, taking the opportunity to engage in a program you can attend while working or traveling. All the Group Sessions and Studio Visits are recorded so you can follow them if you missed them.

  • Expand your network

    Engage with a selected group of peers and professionals from around the world, who can become a resource also for your future. All participants will further benefit from dissemination opportunities through PhMuseum’s channels and connections.

  • Inclusivity

    Enjoy a high-end program at our launching price, one of the most competitive on the market. If you don’t have the resources, you can also apply for 1 fully-funded scholarship.

  • Final Presentation and Publication

    At the end of the program, you can present your projects live on PhMuseum's YouTube channel. Plus, a selection of participants will have their work featured in PhMuseum’s new annual printed publication.

FAQ

  • Can I apply for more programs?

    Yes, you are welcome to apply for multiple programs.

  • Can I use the same project in more applications?

    Yes, you can use the same project for multiple program applications. Just tailor each application to highlight how the specific Masterclass would benefit your project and explain your interest in its focus. For example, specify why you need to create a photobook dummy or incorporate diverse media into your research.

  • Are the Masterclasses fully online, including Studio Visits?

    Every Masterclass session happens online. This comprise Studio Visits with invited artists, curators, graphic designers, who are invited to share their practice and insights in a collective video meeting.

  • Is possible to join some of the Studio Visits offline?

    Each Masterclass session is conducted online, including Studio Visits with invited artists, curators, graphic designers, and other professionals. In-person attendance for Studio Visits is not possible. Participants and guests are located in various countries and continents, and the fully online program allows everyone to attend each session regardless of their location. 

  • Can the online portfolio be just the personal website or does it need to be a regular portfolio of my work?

    Please provide both an online portfolio link and your Instagram account in the application, if possible. You can further use a private link from Google Drive or Dropbox. Please avoid temporary WeTransfer links, and remember that we do not accept email applications.

  • What are the times and days the classes would take place?

    You generally have between 3 and 5 meetings per month. Classes happen on weekdays. Group sessions and seminars generally last 3 to 4 hours. Individual mentoring is 30 minutes per person. Studio visits last 1.5 hours. Most meetings start around 3pm and end before 7pm CET, to allow students attending globally (Americas, Europe and Africa, Asia and Oceania). There is more flexibility for what concerns the individual tutoring.

  • Are the masterclasses more of a beginner or advanced course?

    While a professional level of expertise isn't strictly required, you should have a foundational understanding of photography and a sincere passion for developing their work. We generally filter applications to create heterogeneous and motivated groups of talented participants.

  • In past editions, did participants have the opportunity to meet each other?

    We encourage all masterclasses participants to join us in Bologna for PhMuseum Days, our biennial international photography festival, and Photobook Mania, a biennial gathering dedicated to visual publishing. While attending it is not mandatory, it can be a worthwhile investment of time and money to develop your network and strengthen the bond you will develop online through the program. Over the years, we have also met at other events such as Les Rencontres d'Arles, Fotografia Europea, Paris Photo, and Lodz Fotofestiwal.

Other courses you might be interested in

DUMMY DEEP DIVE / Workshop with Aaron Schuman

CRITICAE 2025/26 Online Masterclass On Documentary Photography

CURAE 2025/26 Online Masterclass On Curatorial Practice

FOLIO 2025/26 Online Masterclass On Photobook Making