Bold Tendencies, the iconic rooftop art gallery atop a former car park in Peckham, south London, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major cultural festival titled 'Euphoria', running until September 12. The programme includes performances from the Multi-Story Orchestra and a reading by Nigerian-British novelist and poet Ben Okri, alongside site-specific installations and live music.
Two Decades of Rooftop Art
Founded in 2007, Bold Tendencies has become a staple of London's cultural scene, known for its pink staircase, Frank's Cafe, and panoramic views. The gallery has hosted numerous exhibitions and events, and this summer marks its 20th season. The anniversary festival 'Euphoria' will feature a diverse range of programming, from art installations to performances by leading composers, choreographers, choirs, orchestras, writers, and thinkers.
Festival Highlights
Key performances include the Multi-Story Orchestra, a youth-led ensemble based in Peckham that performs in unconventional venues, and a performative reading by Ben Okri, the Booker Prize-winning author. The festival will also showcase sculptures and installations by international artists, such as Andreas Gursky's large-scale photographs of techno crowds, Emma Hart's colourful pub bar piece, and Tarek Lakhrissi's giant slug sculpture about time.
According to the organisers, 'Euphoria' 'asserts the possibility of something other, not as a retreat from the world but as a mode of being and being-together that is free, uncompromising and insistently alive'. This statement reflects the festival's ambition to create a space for collective experience and artistic exploration.
Artistic Installations
Visitors can also see works by Athen Kardashian & Nina Mhach Durban, dedicated to London high streets, and Louis Morlæ's self-driving buggy that emits an 'animative' score responding to weather conditions. These installations are designed to engage with the rooftop setting and offer unique perspectives on urban life.
Practical Information
The festival will take place over the summer, with events spread across the rooftop space. Bold Tendencies is located at the top of a multi-storey car park on Rye Lane, Peckham. Visitors can enjoy the art, performances, and the famous Frank's Cafe, which serves drinks and light bites with a view.
For those interested in London's art scene, this festival is a must-see, celebrating two decades of Bold Tendencies' contribution to the city's cultural landscape. With a packed programme of events, 'Euphoria' promises to be a highlight of the summer.
