ShanghaiJune 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On June 15, the X-SPACE Fujifilm Imaging Space (hereinafter referred to as “X-SPACE”), in collaboration with the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York, officially announced the selected participants for the 2026 “Young Visionaries Program” International Creation Unit. After multiple rounds of evaluation, 15 young creators majoring in photography and related arts from nine universities—including Beijing Film Academy, Nanjing University of Communication, Nanjing University of the Arts, Shanghai Normal University, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Sichuan University of Media and Communications, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics, Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, and China Academy of Art—were successfully selected.
The “Young Visionaries Program,” launched for the first time in 2026, is a long-term public welfare imaging project under Fujifilm (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Fujifilm (China)”), operated by X-SPACE Fujifilm Imaging Space for young creators in Chinese universities. It aims to connect international professional imaging resources with the local creative ecosystem, helping young Chinese creators gain growth opportunities and step onto a broader global stage.
Fujifilm 2026 “Young Visionaries Program” International Creation Unit Selected List
International Creation Unit: Jointly Led by ICP Senior Mentors, with Full Online and Offline Support
As the first international collaboration project since the launch of the “Young Visionaries Program,” X-SPACE has partnered with ICP, a global leader in photography and visual culture, to introduce the International Creation Unit.
The 15 selected young creators will participate in an online workshop kickoff course led by the ICP team at the end of June. Subsequently, they will travel to Shanghai in August for a three-day offline workshop, personally guided by Karen Marshall, Director of the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism Program at ICP. During the workshop, X-SPACE will provide each participant with a FUJIFILM GFX medium-format digital camera and lenses to support their learning and creation. Outstanding works will be exhibited at ICP in New York from late 2026 to early 2027, with plans for subsequent exhibitions at X-SPACE.
With nearly 50 years of experience in photography and visual culture education, ICP’s collaboration with Fujifilm (China) will provide a platform for young Chinese photographers to unleash their creativity. Per Gylfe, Director of Education at ICP, stated: “Photography has the power to help us better understand ourselves and the world around us. We are delighted to join hands with Fujifilm (China) to advance this project and grow alongside these talented young photographers—helping them discover unique creative perspectives, enhance storytelling skills, and carry forward the tradition of documentary photography in innovative and meaningful ways.”
Domestic Creation Unit: Focused on the Theme “Stage/Field,” with Guidance from Renowned Scholars
In the fall semester of 2026, the Domestic Creation Unit of the “Young Visionaries Program” will be conducted in the form of a “Fujifilm Digital Camera Equipment Drift” targeting relevant university groups. All participants will create works around the theme “Stage/Field.”
Students involved can use FUJIFILM digital cameras provided by X-SPACE for their creations, with written feedback from Professor Gu Zheng of Fudan University. Participants from relevant universities in the Sichuan-Chongqing region will also receive on-site creative guidance from renowned photographer Zhang Kechun. Outstanding works will later be exhibited at X-SPACE Fujifilm Imaging Space.
Public Lecture: Karen Marshall Visits Shanghai to Share Creative Insights
To help photography enthusiasts overcome creative blocks, the “Young Visionaries Program” has specially invited Karen Marshall to share her years of creative experience and teaching observations. On August 2, Karen Marshall will visit X-SPACE Fujifilm Imaging Space in Shanghai, delivering a lecture titled “How to Tell a Complete Story Through Images.” She will systematically explain the entire process from topic conception and establishing shooting clues to editing and final presentation, exploring how creators can develop a personal perspective and form a sustained visual narrative.
The “Young Visionaries Program” builds a bridge connecting young creators in Chinese universities to the world, allowing outstanding works to be seen by more people and connecting young individuals from different regions and backgrounds through imaging. This vividly embodies the “sharing” philosophy of X-SPACE Fujifilm Imaging Space. Over the next year, the “Young Visionaries Program” will visit various universities, engaging with more young people through lectures, sharing sessions, exhibitions, and creative exchanges to explore imaging, document the times, and discover new possibilities.