The Bentley Foundation has announced the National Portrait Gallery as its second philanthropic partner, strengthening its commitment to expanding access to culture, creativity and education across the United Kingdom. Through support for the Photo Portrait Now programme, the partnership will help students from under represented backgrounds gain valuable experience in contemporary portrait photography. The collaboration reflects Bentley’s wider Beyond100+ strategy, which focuses on creating positive and lasting impact for people, communities and the planet.
A New Chapter in Bentley Foundation Philanthropy
Bentley Motors and the Bentley Foundation have announced a significant new partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, marking the organisation as the Foundation’s second major philanthropic partner. Following the launch of its collaboration with The Queen’s Reading Room, this latest initiative further demonstrates Bentley’s commitment to supporting cultural enrichment, educational opportunities and social impact throughout the UK.
The partnership forms part of the Bentley Foundation’s broader mission to increase access to creativity and learning while helping to create pathways for future generations. By working alongside respected cultural institutions, the Foundation aims to ensure that talent and ambition are not limited by background or circumstance.
This latest collaboration places a particular focus on photography and the creative arts, areas that continue to play an important role in personal expression, storytelling and cultural understanding.
Backing the Photo Portrait Now Programme
At the heart of the partnership is Photo Portrait Now, a flagship higher education programme led by the National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with six universities across England and Wales.
Designed to explore contemporary portrait photography, the programme also seeks to widen participation in the photographic arts by supporting students from under represented communities. Through a combination of practical learning, mentorship and professional development opportunities, participants gain valuable insight into the creative industries while developing their own artistic voices.
Now entering its third year, Photo Portrait Now has become an important platform for aspiring photographers. The programme encourages students to engage with contemporary issues through portraiture, using photography as a medium to examine identity, society and personal experience.
The initiative not only nurtures creative talent but also helps students build confidence, professional networks and industry knowledge that can support future careers in the arts and cultural sectors.
Providing Professional Development Opportunities
One of the key strengths of Photo Portrait Now is its emphasis on hands on learning and professional development.
Students participating in the programme benefit from expert mentoring, peer collaboration and a variety of educational workshops. These experiences are designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, giving participants a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within the creative industries.
The programme also includes study days led by National Portrait Gallery curators and professional photographers. Contributors have included photographers associated with the prestigious 2025 Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize, providing students with access to leading voices in contemporary portrait photography.
Such opportunities are often difficult for emerging artists to access independently. By connecting students directly with industry professionals, the programme helps to demystify career pathways and create meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Access to World Class Collections and Expertise
A defining feature of the programme is the access it provides to the National Portrait Gallery’s renowned collection and curatorial expertise.
Participants are able to engage with significant works of portraiture while learning about the historical, artistic and cultural contexts that shape the medium. This exposure helps students develop a deeper understanding of portrait photography and its role in reflecting society and individual identity.
Beyond viewing the collection, students gain valuable insight into curatorial practice and exhibition development. They learn how galleries present and interpret artistic work, broadening their understanding of the wider cultural ecosystem.
For many participants, this level of access represents a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the UK’s most respected cultural institutions.
Exploring Contemporary Themes Through Photography
As part of Photo Portrait Now, students are invited to respond creatively to the themes and works presented in the 2025 Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition.
This challenge encourages participants to create original portrait photography that reflects both their personal perspectives and broader social narratives. The resulting works often explore themes such as identity, community, belonging, representation and contemporary life.
By engaging with these topics, students are able to develop their artistic practice while contributing to important cultural conversations. The programme encourages experimentation, critical thinking and self expression, helping participants refine their creative vision.
The emphasis on contemporary storytelling also aligns with the National Portrait Gallery’s commitment to presenting diverse perspectives and ensuring that portraiture remains relevant to modern audiences.
A Public Platform for Emerging Talent
Each year, Photo Portrait Now concludes with a public exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, providing students with a prestigious platform to showcase their work.
The exhibition celebrates the achievements of participating students while introducing visitors to fresh perspectives in contemporary portrait photography. For many emerging photographers, exhibiting work within such a respected institution represents a significant milestone in their creative journey.
Alongside the exhibition, the programme hosts a symposium that brings together students, curators and industry professionals. The event includes photography talks, portfolio reviews, career development workshops and guided tours led by Gallery specialists.
These experiences provide participants with practical advice and constructive feedback while helping them build connections within the creative sector. The symposium also creates opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, supporting the next generation of photographic talent.
A Shared Vision for Positive Social Impact
Speaking about the partnership, Wayne Bruce, Director of Visitor Experience and Heritage and Head of the Bentley Foundation, highlighted the importance of ensuring access to culture and creativity for all.
According to Bruce, the Foundation believes that opportunities in the arts should never be determined by personal background or life circumstances. Through its support of Photo Portrait Now, the organisation aims to champion diverse voices, support emerging talent and create meaningful routes into creative careers.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Bentley and the National Portrait Gallery to foster inclusion, opportunity and artistic expression.
Liz Smith, Director of Learning at the National Portrait Gallery, also welcomed the collaboration, noting that the Foundation’s support enables the Gallery to continue nurturing future photographic talent and helping students achieve success in both their creative practice and professional development.
Advancing Bentley’s Beyond100+ Strategy
The partnership with the National Portrait Gallery is closely aligned with Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, which focuses on creating long term value for people, communities and the environment.
Through the Bentley Foundation, the company is expanding its philanthropic activities beyond its own operations and investing in initiatives that deliver measurable social benefits. The Foundation’s approach emphasises collaboration, regeneration and opportunity, supporting organisations that contribute to lasting positive change.
By backing programmes such as Photo Portrait Now, Bentley is helping to ensure that cultural participation and creative education remain accessible to a wider range of people. The initiative demonstrates how partnerships between business and cultural institutions can create meaningful impact while supporting the development of future generations.
As the Bentley Foundation continues to grow its philanthropic portfolio, its partnership with the National Portrait Gallery stands as a powerful example of how investment in culture and creativity can help unlock talent, broaden opportunities and strengthen communities across the UK.
Written By: Lydia Kelly
Published: 10th June 2026