Bentley Motors and the Bentley Foundation has announced the National Portrait Gallery as its second philanthropic partner, following the launch of its partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room, reinforcing the Foundation’s long term commitment to expanding access to culture, creativity and opportunity for future generations.
Through this new partnership, the Bentley Foundation is supporting Photo Portrait Now, a flagship higher education programme led by the National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with six universities across England and Wales. The project explores contemporary portrait photography, while expanding access to the photographic arts for under represented groups.
Now entering its third year, Photo Portrait Now provides students with hands on professional development, including expert mentoring, peer networks, workshops and study days led by National Portrait Gallery curators and professional photographers – including contributors to the 2025 Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize. The programme offers students rare access to the Gallery’s collection, curatorial expertise and contemporary practice, supporting their progress into creative careers.
As part of the initiative, students are invited to respond creatively to the themes and works of the 2025 Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize, producing original portrait photography that reflects both personal perspective and contemporary social narratives.
Each year, the programme culminates in a public exhibition of student works at the National Portrait Gallery, alongside a symposium celebration event with the grand opening of the Photo Portrait Now display at the Gallery. The symposium brings together students, industry professionals and curators for a full day of engagement, including professional photographer and photography insight talks, with portfolio reviews and career feedback, career development workshops, and curatorial tours led by National Portrait Gallery specialists.
Speaking on the new partnership, Wayne Bruce, Director of Visitor Experience & Heritage and Head of The Bentley Foundation, said:
“At the Bentley Foundation, we believe access to culture and creativity should never be defined by background or circumstance. Partnering with the National Portrait Gallery through Photo Portrait Now allows us to support emerging photographic talent, champion diverse voices and help open meaningful pathways into the creative industries. This collaboration reflects our ambition to create lasting social impact through education, opportunity and artistic expression.”
The partnership with the National Portrait Gallery builds on the Bentley Foundation’s new, focused philanthropic direction, supporting environmental work and widening access to education, arts and culture, while driving long term, positive change in communities across the UK.
Liz Smith, Director of Learning at the National Portrait Gallery, added:
“The Gallery is grateful for the generous support of The Bentley Foundation, whose support has allowed us to continue to work with the next generation of photographic talent and help students towards success in both their individual practices and their future creative careers.”
Anchored in Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, The Bentley Foundation is designed to deliver thoughtful, long term philanthropic impact. Through a partnership led approach focused on collaboration, co creation and measurable outcomes, the Foundation supports organisations that foster regeneration, resilience and opportunity, advancing positive change for people and the planet, beyond Bentley’s own operations.
- The Bentley Foundation has named the National Portrait Gallery as its second philanthropic partner, following The Queen’s Reading Room, supporting access to culture, creativity and education across the UK
- The partnership supports Photo Portrait Now, a National Portrait Gallery programme delivered with six universities across England and Wales, expanding access to contemporary portrait photography for under represented groups
- The initiative culminates in an annual public exhibition and symposium at the National Portrait Gallery, showcasing student work and offering professional talks, workshops and curatorial access
- Rooted in Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, the Bentley Foundation reflects a long-term commitment to creating positive impact for people, culture and the planet
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