‘I’m trying to rebuild something positive for young people’ : the Cage transformed by local artists

Artists who grew up using an estate’s multi-use games area – known as the Cage – have transformed the entire floor and walls into a striking work of art.

For decades, young people have used the basketball court on Wolvercote Road in South Thamesmead for socialising, graffiti, dance and filming.

Joseph Ijoyemi – who grew up playing in the Cage – won a £12,000 art commission to breathe new life into the games area.

Mr Ijoyemi’s floor mural – titled Believe and Achieve – was chosen by the community and the resident group – Cage TM.

Mr Ijoyemi said: “The Cage is a place where I’ve been, it’s where I grew up.

“Now after many years I’m back here trying to rebuild something positive for young people and give back to the community, which is very important to me.

“My aim for when you go into that colourful space is that you feel positive — like you can become a leader for tomorrow – bringing young people together, getting them to enjoy themselves and stay away from negativity.”

To create the floor mural, Mr Ijoyemi hosted a series of sports workshops at the Cage – with support from the resident group Cage TM – and used photographs from the sessions to create the silhouettes in the final design.

The mural took six days to complete with the help of professional painters Gavin McPhail and Gabriel Pitcher, from creative consultancy Wood Street Walls. 

Dominika Kieruzel, one of the Cage TM group members who judged the commission entries, said: “Based on my conversations with local kids, they’re really excited about the Cage. 

I think that part of the reason is the space feels much safer, all of the colours are really cheerful and the facilities are better.”

The walls of the Cage have also been covered with a series of new artworks as part of a project titled Made In The Manor. 

This involved some of the Cage’s original graffiti artists – led by Cieron Peel – who returned to recreate their artworks.

Mr Peel said: “The Made In The Manor mural means a lot to us, especially since it’s right here in the heart of Thamesmead, our hometown, the place that shaped us. 

“This piece, crafted by genuine local graffiti artists well-known for their authenticity, is like a living history of Thamesmead’s graffiti scene. 

“It’s a tribute to the art we live and breathe, representing our community’s passion, determination, resilience, and talent.”

Now that the Cage refurbishment is complete, The Cage TM group is planning a programme of sports events and activities that will allow the space to be used in different ways. 

They also plan to screen a documentary made by Mr Ijoyemi which chronicles the project from inception to completion, in Thamesmead next year.

The artworks were commissioned by housing association Peabody, as part of its £4.48million  South Thamesmead Garden Estate (STGE) programme.

Pictured top: From Left, Joseph Ijoyemi and Cieron Peel (Picture: Tom Chaplin)