Free lecture: ‘Photography in the Third Age’ explores the rise of the pro-am at The Burgess Foundation

With all the changes in technology and culture, where is the medium of photography heading? That is the key question explored at Photography in the Third Age, a lecture taking place at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. Presenting is Dr Alasdair Foster, a visiting professor from Melbourne and an ambassador to the Asia-Pacific PhotoForum. He has 20 years’ experience heading national arts institutions and is a researcher in the theory of arts policy. With smartphones allowing everyone to take, alter and distribute photos, Alasdair believes that photography has entered its Third Age: the era of the pro-am. He will outline how he thinks society must re-evaluate and re-conceptualise its ideas about what constitutes visual culture. The lecture is aimed at anyone who’s interested in the future of creative practice. It’s not solely for photographers, but for anyone who believes in the importance of the arts. The event is free, but booking is essential.

Wed 27 Jun, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 6.30pm, FREE, www.anthonyburgess.org