Opening its 20th Anniversary season on 15th May 2026, Bold Tendencies is the internationally acclaimed contemporary arts programme which takes place on the roof of the disused Peckham multi-storey car park in South London.
Bold Tendencies started in 2007 by 22-year-old Hannah Barry, taking the upper floors of a disused car park in Peckham and turning them into a public place with enjoyment and appreciation of the arts at its heart.
The name of the organisation was a statement of intent. Radical in nature and form, it has developed into one of London’s boldest and most innovative arts projects, home to artists from across the world and welcoming more than 1.8m visitors.
An equally radical innovation was the founding by Bold Tendencies of Frank’s Cafe (2009), integral to the concept, attracting a wider public as well as a supportive revenue stream. Frank’s was also an opportunity for new early-stage design and build talent. More design and build projects followed, the Straw Auditorium (2010), Derek Jarman Garden (2013), Concert Wall (2016), Observatory (2017), all adding cultural value, improving infrastructure, and leaving the raw fabric of the building intact.
The curatorial lens of the programme is to bring to the fore sought-after artists, radical practice and new generations of talent, resulting in some firsts. Firsts in the art programme include public commissions for Camille Henrot, Anthea Hamilton, Rhea Dillon, Matt Copson; the ‘pink staircase’ by Simon Whybray; permanent public works by Jenny Holzer, Rene Mati?. Firsts in the award-winning performance programme include BBC Proms outside the Royal Albert Hall with Steve Reich, four Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos in one evening, Carlo Rovelli, Es Devlin and Benedict Cumberbatch The Order of Time live, Kristin Scott-Thomas reading Kafka, Caleb Femi Poor live, first performances of Garland, Oliver Leith’s ground-breaking processional work for large orchestra, vocal consort and community chorus, and the creation of the Multi-Story Orchestra, a pioneering youth-led music organisation.
The impact and success of Bold Tendencies and local pride in the project was recognised by Southwark Council to the extent that they altered their plans to demolish the building, supporting its long-term use as a cultural and public space.
Complementary to the arts itself and central to the concept is a multifaceted free Creative Learning programme, which connects with community organisations and social provisions in the one-mile radius around the building.
This system of opportunity extends to job opportunities and professional development. On average, eight summer-season part-time roles are created each year for local young people, a valuable first step for those who want to pursue a career in the arts. There are 250 Alumni of these initiatives, some of them currently working in leading institutions in London and beyond.
Hannah Barry, Artistic Director of Bold Tendencies, said:
“From the beginning, Bold Tendencies has been an act of belief: that even without initial capital, working independently and against the odds, it is possible to build something enduring, generous and open to all. As we look forward, our commitment is to the future – nurturing the next generation of artists, thinkers and doers, and continuing to create a space where culture is made, shared, loved and lived.”
Bold Tendencies, 20th Anniversary Season: Euphoria, 15th May – Saturday 12th September 2026, Floors 7-10, Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park, London SE15 4ST boldtendencies.com
Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
