The appointment comes shortly after the annual Day of Hope, celebrated on the birthday of Damilola Taylor, which highlight the importance of youth activism and inspires young people to share their hopes for the future.
NLA, an organisation dedicated to shaping better cities, is proud to partner with Southwark Council, the Damilola Taylor Trust (DTT), and Hope Collective through its ‘Collaborate’ initiative to fundraise for and deliver an inspiring new public artwork in the heart of Peckham.
The artwork will celebrate the enduring legacy of Damilola Taylor, honouring his family’s and the Hope Collective’s tireless efforts to inspire real change for young people and communities across the UK. The initiative reflects Southwark Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful public art as part of its Southwark Stands Together pledges.
NLA will partner with the Peckham Square design team to ensure seamless integration of the artwork into the broader landscape. The commission will align with Southwark’s Public Art Policy, showcasing the council's dedication to embedding art within community spaces.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks, and Young People, said: “This project embodies the heart of Peckham—a community that values resilience, creativity, and hope. The new artwork will not only celebrate Damilola Taylor’s legacy but also serve as a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in shaping a brighter future for our young people. We are proud to support this initiative and work with partners who share our commitment to meaningful public art.”
Tunde Taylor, Chair of the Damilola Taylor Trust, said: “On behalf of The Damilola Taylor Trust I am excited to see this project progressing. We were so sad to lose my father earlier this year but we know how proud he was of the legacy of hope for young people the work of the Trust had created. We are grateful to have such creative talent now leading things forward”.
Rosa Rogina, Director, LFA and Head of Collaborate at NLA, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Southwark Council, the Damilola Taylor Trust, and Hope Collective on the Peckham Square Public Art Commission. This initiative not only celebrates the legacy of Damilola Taylor and the enduring work of his family but also serves as a powerful platform to amplify youth voices in shaping the future of public art.
“At NLA, we are deeply committed to creating opportunities that bring diverse perspectives to the forefront of art, design, and architecture. By engaging young people at every stage of this project, we aim to ensure that the final artwork reflects the vibrant history and aspirations of the Peckham community. We look forward to contributing to an inspiring and inclusive commissioning process that honours the past while looking boldly to the future.”
The Peckham Square Public Art Project will run from January to December 2025, with the final design unveiling scheduled for the Day of Hope on 7 December 2025.