Dates: 5 March – 2 April 2027

Location: Northwest Gallery, AUB Campus

The Gallery is delighted to present Unexpected, the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and Ringwood School Photography Competition Exhibition 2027, curated and presented in collaboration with AUB’s Schools and Colleges Liaison team, the Alumni Office in the Brand, Marketing and Future Students team, and the Students' Union. Returning for its second year at AUB, the exhibition marks an exciting new chapter in the competition's development, with The Gallery now taking a formal role as host and partner in its organisation and delivery.

Bringing together the photographic work of young people from across the region, alongside contributions from parents and teachers, Unexpected celebrates creativity, imagination and the power of photography to reveal fresh perspectives on the world around us.

Now in its 15th year, the annual interschool photography competition continues to evolve, with AUB and Ringwood School jointly organising the event. Supported by Ringwood Rotary Club and the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), this partnership builds on the competition's successful history, combining the experience and expertise of both institutions to create new opportunities for emerging photographers to develop, share and showcase their work.

For 2027, the theme Unexpected invites participants to look beyond the familiar and explore the surprising, unusual and unforeseen through the lens of a camera. Encouraging experimentation, visual storytelling and imaginative interpretation, the theme offers an opportunity to discover extraordinary moments in everyday life, challenge perceptions and capture images that spark curiosity and invite us to see the world differently.

Following the success of last year's competition, which attracted more than 1,000 entries from students in Years 1–13, as well as an adult category, the 2027 exhibition promises another inspiring showcase of regional photographic talent.

As a formal partner in the competition, AUB further strengthens its commitment to creative education, providing opportunities for young people to engage with photography and explore pathways into the wider creative industries.

For participating students, exhibiting in a professional gallery environment offers a valuable opportunity to share their work with a wider public, experience the presentation of photography in an exhibition context and celebrate their achievements. It also provides an insight into the possibilities of studying and pursuing a future in the creative arts.

AUB offers a diverse range of photography courses, providing opportunities for students to develop their creative, technical, and professional skills across different areas of photographic practice.

Its photography provision includes undergraduate degree programmes and adult learning, short courses, summer courses and Saturday Art School catering to students with a variety of interests and levels of experience.

Explore some of our photography options below.