New showcase for photo talent

Inspired by Le Mois De La Photo, a month-long celebration of photography held annually in Paris, London is about to see its first Photomonth. Organised by Alternative Arts, the people behind the Alternative Fashion Week, the event will showcase some of London's hottest new talent in photography in galleries around the East End and the City.

Each of the 15 galleries will be participating at some point during October and November. Though thoroughly eclectic in approach, many of them have followed an East End theme, to reflect the area's growing diversity.

Kicking off is AOP Gallery (81 Leonard Street EC2. Tel: 020 7739 3631), with a collection of portraits of Britain's most amazing world record breakers by Drew Gardner. Gardner travelled the country in search of individuals who have gone to extraordinary lengths to make a name for themselves by often painful means - such as the man with multiple facial piercings.

In Five Princelet Street Gallery (from Oct 11, 5 Princelet Street E1. Tel: 020 7247 0601), Jacques Bosser is showing abstract paintings inspired by his African childhood, alongside stark images of female nudes. Meanwhile, Centre of Attention (from Oct 21, 192 Hanbury Street E1. Tel: 020 7244 5537) has been inspired by the theme of modern romance among the East End's nouveau riche and will be showcasing work by a number of young photographers.

Photomonth is on throughout Oct and Nov at 15 galleries in East London and the City, free. Organised by Alternative Arts. Tel: 020 7375 0441 for a free programme.