The annual performance programme, developed in collaboration with public art organisation UP Projects, was expanded to offer site-specific performance artworks by three artists – Nicole Bachmann, Li Hei Di, and Minh Lan Tran – resulting in new and innovative work that captivated audiences in Central, South and East London across the three days.

“I loved seeing people – bypassers, children, neighbours – looking in from the outside and feeling part of it. Their curiosity is testament to the decision to do these performances in public spaces, which is what makes them so special. It was great to see people stay often for the whole programme and even the Q&A that followed – it clearly left them wanting to learn more.” Bengi Ünsal, Director, Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and member of the Performance Programme Selection Committee

“UP Projects were delighted to expand on our collaboration with London Gallery Weekend this year to offer more artists the chance to present new and experimental work to public audiences who may not normally cross the threshold of a gallery to experience contemporary art. Building on our audience figures from last year, over 800 people joined us from Peckham to Piccadilly across the weekend. It was a priority for both UP Projects and London Gallery Weekend to connect directly with communities through the performance programme and our collaboration with Peckham Platform enabled us to do this with Lesley Asare’s performance being informed by a collaboration with the Southwark Refugee Association.” Moira Lascelles, Executive Director & Head of Partnerships, UP Projects

“I very much enjoyed being part of the performance programme this year. It enabled me to experiment with new work and take to the stage myself which is something that is new to my practice. Working across three different sites allowed me to engage with different audiences and each site evoked a different response and atmosphere that I really enjoyed. I would absolutely recommend being part of the programme to any artist who may be looking to find new contexts in which to show their work.” Nicole Bachmann, artist

“Being part of the performance programme gave me the opportunity to take my work outside the gallery walls and into public spaces across London. This was one of the first times I had developed a performance work and I felt very supported to explore this new way of working.” Li Hei Di, artist

“Seeing public audiences engage with my work and its associated themes of violence and grace was a powerful experience for me. The performance programme enabled me to be bold and collaborate with some amazing people including my choreographer Lena Hetzel as well as the fighters and performers who were part of the work. Travelling across three very different sites in London was also fascinating as the work took on new meaning depending on the context. Thank you to London Gallery Weekend and UP Projects for making such an exciting programme happen and for trying to reach new and different audiences to experience contemporary performance art.” Minh Lan Tran, artist
More from the participating galleries

“London Gallery Weekend was very special this year. It gave us a new perspective on how we wish to operate as a space and how to better serve the artists we work with. Last year was mainly press focused for us but this year the LGW team went out of their way to introduce us to curators and institutions also from marginalised areas within the UK. We also felt very fortunate to be at the forefront with Minh Lan Tran given a platform through the UP Projects Performance Programme” Jonny Tanna, Founder, Harlesden High Street

“There was a wonderful collaborative spirit between the participating galleries. The gallery was introduced to great new collectors and we were happy that so many people enjoyed our show.” Jona Lueddeckens, Gagosian

“London Gallery Weekend has created a special moment for artists and galleries across the city. We welcomed a cross-section of curators representing the incredible breadth and depth of museums and galleries across the UK, international collectors and many, many enthusiastic visitors.” Hannah Barry, Founder Director, Hannah Barry Gallery

“London Gallery Weekend is clearly gathering pace. Galleries opening all weekend was excellent for bringing collectors to London.” Alison Jacques, Founder Director, Alison Jacques