Redeye's network meetings are aimed at all levels and are a good place to find out more about us; they're informal, welcoming and free to attend. You can catch up on photography news and have a chat and a drink.

Our network meeting for September looks at working in China, the world's fastest-growing photographic economy, and will also discuss and explore some of the issues around working on long-term projects overseas.

Our main speaker is Yan Preston. Based in West Yorkshire, Yan has been working as a photographer for 6 years, but her practice also reaches to installation, research and creative social engagement. Her work has been shown at venues including the National Portrait Gallery, York Art Gallery and the University of Bradford, as well as been featured on BBC One The Oneshow. For Redeye, Yan will talk about her current long-term project: Yangtze - the Mother River. Set to explore the relationship between nature and culture in contemporary China, Yan decided to focus on their longest river. Being a native Chinese herself, the project is personal as well as international.

In 2010 and 2011 she has made two trips to China, with the second trip being funded by Arts Council England. The work-in-progress has received very positive feedback from critics including Liz Wells and David Chandler. Her thought process, the journeys and the work produced so far will be the main content for the talk. 20 Sept 2011; 19:00 to 21:00; arrive from 18:30 for networking and refreshments.

Chinese Arts Centre, Market Buildings, Thomas St, Manchester M4 1EU