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The car park that changed British art: Bold Tendencies at 20
Two decades after it opened in a multi-storey in Peckham in London, the space has redrawn the map for how to present art – with rooftop cocktails and the pink staircase that launched a thousand selfies
TL;DR
- Bold Tendencies, located in a Peckham car park, is celebrating its 20th summer season.
- It has attracted over 3 million visitors and commissioned numerous artworks, significantly influencing contemporary art programming.
- Key features include the rooftop bar Frank's Cafe and the iconic pink staircase, 'hi boo i love you', by Simon Whybray.
- The project provided a much-needed space for early-career artists and architects in London.
- Founded by Hannah Barry, Bold Tendencies aimed to make art accessible and welcoming in a non-traditional space.
- The initiative began when artists were seen as caretakers of derelict buildings awaiting redevelopment.
- The space faces ongoing financial difficulties, with Barry highlighting the lack of reserves as a significant challenge for its future.
- Despite difficulties, the joy and potential for improvement keep the project going.