05/06/2026
🎉 This year, 509 Arts turns 15!
We’ve enjoyed fifteen years of creative adventures, brilliant people, and projects that have left their mark on Bradford and beyond.
To celebrate, every fortnight we’ll be shining a spotlight on a project from our archives, the people who made it happen, and the stories behind it.
First up: My Last Car 🚗
Car love meets climate change
An epic road trip that explored our complex relationship with the car through exhibition, live performance and community celebration.
My Last Car invited us to look at the world of the car in a different way and to think about all that we have gained – and lost – over the past 100 years. The project even included taking apart a car and transforming it into a gallery object and performance space!
Created in collaboration with Warwick Arts Centre, Pioneer Projects and Ryedale Folk Museum, the project unfolded across three venues over 18 months, exploring what the car means in modern society, how we’ve lived with it, and how we might live with it differently in the future.
In Bentham, the local community also created My Last CARnival – an extraordinary arts trail encouraging people to “Get Out Of The Car!” and explore with family and friends.
Do you remember My Last Car? Were you involved in the project or did you visit one of the events? We’d love to hear your memories in the comments.
The links to the film and project details are in the comments below for you to explore 👇
