Bold Tendencies Marks 20 Years with Season Launch in Peckham Car Park
Bold Tendencies is gearing up to kick off its 20th anniversary season on May 15, 2026, and will run through September 12 at the Peckham multi-storey car park in South London. Founded in 2007 by Hannah Barry, the initiative has drawn in over 1.8 million visitors. Some standout projects include Frank's Cafe from 2009, Straw Auditorium from 2010, Derek Jarman Garden from 2013, Concert Wall from 2016, and Observatory from 2017. This program has featured public commissions from artists like Camille Henrot and Matt Copson, and performances by Steve Reich and Benedict Cumberbatch. Additionally, the Multi-Story Orchestra was born out of this project. Southwark Council has updated demolition plans to support cultural activities, while a free Creative Learning program nurtures local partnerships, creating part-time jobs for young people. Barry calls Bold Tendencies "an act of belief."
Key facts
- Bold Tendencies 20th anniversary season runs 15th May - 12th September 2026
- Founded in 2007 by 22-year-old Hannah Barry in disused Peckham car park
- Has attracted over 1.8 million visitors since inception
- Frank's Cafe opened in 2009 as integral revenue and design project
- Southwark Council altered demolition plans to preserve the cultural space
- Creates approximately eight summer part-time jobs annually for local youth
- 250 alumni of job programs now work at leading institutions
- Free Creative Learning program engages community within one-mile radius
Entities
Artists
- Hannah Barry
- Camille Henrot
- Anthea Hamilton
- Rhea Dillon
- Matt Copson
- Simon Whybray
- Jenny Holzer
- Rene Matić
- Steve Reich
- Carlo Rovelli
- Es Devlin
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Kristin Scott-Thomas
- Caleb Femi
- Oliver Leith
- Derek Jarman
Institutions
- Bold Tendencies
- Frank's Cafe
- Southwark Council
- BBC Proms
- Royal Albert Hall
- Multi-Story Orchestra
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Peckham
- South London
- London SE15 4ST