Third Floor Gallery Cardiff

About The Gallery

Third Floor Gallery is an independent charitable gallery established in January 2010 by photographers Joni Karanka and Maciej Dakowicz, soon joined by Bartosz Nowicki. The gallery occupies two floors in a period building located a stone's throw away from Cardiff's bustling waterfront and the Millennium Centre. Run on a shoestring budget Third Floor Gallery shows the most exciting national and international contemporary photography and has a reputation of being the most daring and innovative photographic gallery in the UK.

Third Floor Gallery Trust is registered as the Charity number 1139026 by the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

Gallery Trustees: Joni Karanka, Bartosz Nowicki and Gareth Wyn Owen.
On a daily basis the galery is run by a group of committed volunteers lead by Claire Kern and Lukasz Kubicki.

Meet our team.

What do they say about themselves?

Claire Kern from France. I moved to South Devon, UK in 2003 where I studied a BTEC in Photography and from there, went on graduate (2011) in Documentary Photography at University of Wales, Newport. I am currently working on diverse personal projects around subject close to my heart. I have been volunteering for the gallery for a while and enjoy working with the team. So much to do and learn! Claire's website

Lukasz Kubicki from Poland. I discovered my passion to Photography after moving to Wales in 2008. In 2011 I started taking part time courses at Ffotogallery. At the moment I am studying a degree in Photographic Art at University of Wales, Newport. I have been volunteering for the Third Floor Gallery since November 2011. Lukasz on flickr.

Timothy Nordhoff from Wales. At the moment I am studying a degree in Photojournalism at Swansea Metropolitan University. Before this I studied Graphic design at Neath Port-Talbot College. I am deeply interested in all visual art forms, but my love lies in photography and film. Being part of the Third Floor Gallery is amazing. I have been volunteering since January 2011 and for it is one of the best opportunities a budding photographer can get. Tim's website

Will Hartley from North Devon. I moved to Amersham in 2003 where I studied a BTEC in photography. I soon realized my passion was in Documentary, so went to Newport University in Wales, and studied Documentary photography, graduating in 2008. I have since moved around a bit with various jobs, but eventually found my self in Cardiff, in 2011, where I now work as a freelance photographer and have been volunteering for the Gallery since may 2011. Will's website

Laura Som from Wales. Marketing Manager for Cardiff University Students' Union. Completed a Law degree at London Guildhall University in 2001 and began working in marketing. In 2007 I started taking evening classes in photography with Cardiff University. Since then I've been learning every day! I have been volunteering with the Third Floor gallery since October 2010. Laura on flickr

Our former associates:

Dimitra Kountiou from Greece. I have been living in Wales since 1998. Background in Graphic Design. I finished my MA in 2001 and my PGCE in 2002. I taught at the University of Wales for 3 years teaching Digital Imaging and Printmaking. Had a carreer break and worked for insurance. Returned to university and currently studying Documentary Photography in Newport. I have been involved with the Third Floor Gallery since May 2010. Dimitra on flickr

Frankie Griffiths from Warwickshire. I came to Cardiff in 2007 to study Cultural Criticism at Cardiff University and I will be graduating in July this year! Discovered my real love for photography last year and currently work as a cinematographer and photographer. I've been volunteering since January 2012. Frankie on flickr

We are constantly looking for committed people to join our volunteer team.