[1][2] It was established in 2000 by Nick Turpin with the intention of bringing together like minded photographers to hold exhibitions, produce books and conduct workshops and promote street photography.

[3] It was the first international collective of street photographers,[4] its geographically disparate membership facilitated by the Internet.

[3] New members were accepted but the recruitment process was "haphazard and organic".

[6] In April 2020 In-Public's website stated that the group had relaunched, "with a new remit to promote and celebrate photographers who eschew staging and manipulation".

[6] The following public collection holds work by In-Public as a group: