International Photo Competition
News
2026 International Photography Competition celebrates BSU’s international community
Tuesday, 26 May, 2026Students from the Bath Spa University international community recently joined together at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) for the 2026 International Photo Competition celebration.
BSU is proud to have students from over 85 countries, and even more who are studying around the world. Launched in 2024, the International Photo Competition is designed to highlight and celebrate BSU’s international diversity, while giving students the opportunity to reflect on their international identity or experience.
The competition ran during March and April, where students were invited to submit photos in two categories: Nurturing Community and Moments of Confidence. The competition was run in parallel with the University of Bath and Norland College and participants were invited to a celebratory event with Deputy Mayor of Bath, Councillor Ian Halsall on 29 April. The finalists’ photos were displayed at BRLSI and the winners were officially announced, with each awarded a £100 gift card.
PCGE Secondary Modern Languages student Manon Louchart was crowned the winner in the Moments of Confidence category for her photo titled ‘Whispers of the Wind’. Describing her reaction to winning, she said:
"I was overjoyed to celebrate the richness of our university community, as well as the wider international community in Bath, and to highlight how diversity shapes our shared experience through both photography and writing. It was inspiring to see so many different perspectives represented during the event. As a Modern Foreign Languages teacher, I am deeply interested in identity, intercultural understanding, and the different ways people see and experience the world. I always try to reflect these values in both my teaching and my photography, so it means a lot to me that my work resonated with others."
International Exchange Programme student Juan Manuel Valerio Hernandez won the Nurturing Community category for his photo ‘Session is ON’. Describing the story behind the photo, he said:
"The photograph captures my team moments before recording a live session. Under intense time pressure, we built the entire setup within an hour: routing the console, placing microphones, configuring the patch bay, and preparing the Pro Tools session. Taken seconds before the lead engineer pressed record, the image holds a charged stillness: the calm before execution. It reflects not only technical precision, but collective trust. More than a studio moment, it speaks to the essential role of a cohesive team when navigating complexity, both in music and beyond."
Summing up the event, Professor Ian Gadd, Academic Director of the Global Academy of Liberal Arts at BSU and Chair of the Board of Directors of BRLSI said:
“The International Photography Exhibition is one of the highlights of my year. The quality of the photographs was uniformly excellent, and their diversity was particularly rich this year: sometimes moving, sometimes mischievous, always thoughtful. The exhibition is a wonderful celebration of Bath's international community and also a great example of the University's commitment to cross-institutional collaboration.”
Jessica Biddle, International Student Experience Manager added:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the students who enthusiastically participated in this event. It takes courage, creativity, and introspection to participate and their willingness to share their experiences through literal and figurative lenses have not only enriched our understanding but also deepened appreciation for the multifaceted perspectives our international students bring.
“By allowing us a glimpse into their lives, our students help to make Bath a welcoming and inclusive community. Their photos and reflections are powerful testaments to the vibrant tapestry of cultures that bestow our city.”
You can find out more about BSU’s Go Global and International teams on our website.