The Scene Collective Celebrates Creativity at Bold Tendencies
In July, 12 of our students brought three months of creativity, collaboration and learning to life at The Scene Collective Final Sharing Event, held at Bold Tendencies in Peckham on 16 July.
The event marked the culmination of an ambitious twelve-week creative programme led by our Artist-in-Residence, Molly Burrows, alongside Catherine Morton Abuah, Artist-in-Residence at Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich.
The Scene Collective was created by Molly and Catherine to bring students from our two neighbouring schools together through an after-school creative youth club. The project gave students opportunities to explore visual art, music, performance and event production beyond the boundaries of the usual school curriculum.
Producing a live event
Over the twelve weeks, students learned about the many different elements involved in producing a live creative event. They wrote a group manifesto, designed logos, banners and T-shirts, learned to DJ, met artists, architects and music curators, formed a band, made new friends and developed their confidence and creative skills together.
The project grew from conversations with students about the creative opportunities they wanted to experience. Although they enjoyed their Art lessons and workshops, they were keen to work across different creative disciplines and find ways for visual art to connect with music, drama and performance.
Molly and Catherine responded by creating a programme that introduced students to a wide range of creative practitioners and encouraged them to take increasing ownership of the project themselves.
Watch a short film about The Scene Collective
Final sharing event at Bold Tendencies
Their twelve weeks of work culminated in a joyful final sharing event at Bold Tendencies, where friends and families were invited to celebrate everything the students had achieved.
Students curated an exhibition of their work and gave live poetry, drumming, singing and piano performances. They also hosted and supported the South London Samba Youth Band in a drumming performance, while Rice and Beans provided food for everyone attending.
It was a brilliant evening that celebrated not only the work produced, but also the confidence, friendships and sense of creative community that had developed throughout the project.
Why 'The Scene Collective'?
The name 'The Scene Collective' came from one of the students, who explained that being creative did not necessarily mean wanting to be the star of the show or the lead artist. They were equally interested in working behind the scenes: learning how creative events are organised and producing work such as record covers, posters and T-shirt designs.
At the same time, the word “scene” became a play on words. A central aim of the project was to ensure that our students are seen, that their creativity is celebrated, and that the future of the arts is diverse and representative of both school communities and the wider Southwark community.
We are incredibly proud of all twelve students involved and everything they achieved over the course of the project. We would also like to give a huge congratulations and thank you to Molly Burrows for conceiving and leading such an exciting and meaningful opportunity for our students. Her work as Artist-in-Residence continues to enrich the creative life of the school and provide students with ambitious experiences beyond the classroom.
Our thanks also go to Catherine Morton Abuah, all of the artists and creative practitioners who contributed to the programme, Bold Tendencies for hosting the final event, and Southwark Council, whose Culture Together Grant 2026 generously funded The Scene Collective.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making The Scene Collective such a success.
