The Made Strong event takes over Copeland Park this Saturday
Footwear brand Dr Martens has announced a one-day takeover of one of South London’s biggest cultural quarters, to be headlined by jazz superstars Ezra Collective.
The Made Strong event will take over Copeland Park in Copeland Road, Peckham, bringing together some of the biggest names in London’s underground scene tomorrow, writes Claudia Lee.
Copeland Park is a former factory building that dates back to the 19th century and is now a hub of events venues, restaurants and bars, small businesses and galleries.
Live performances, workshops, interactive art and talks will all be on offer, hosting the likes of Nigerian-born, London-based rebel pop artist Chi Virgo, west London producer p-rallel, and skater, artist and Motherlan co-founder, Slawn.
Motherlan is a Nigerian streetwear brand with roots in skateboarding, London and Lagos.
Slawn and anonymous artist Reuben Dangoor – an anonymous artist known for creating reaction-based art that comments on British politics and London life – will join forces on a new mural that will be unveiled at the event.
Meanwhile, Motherlan skaters will take to Copeland Park’s skate ramp.
Founded in 2018, Slawn and his friends released its first film, entitled Edward, followed in 2020 with a second film, Victoria, in collaboration with Converse.
Newly-crowned Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective will headline the evening music programme.
The London-based Jazz band stirs together Afro-Cuban rhythms with rap dub, funk and dance music, as well as jazz-inflected soul.
Their live performances are captivating and their combination of spiritual jazz with Afrobeats gets everyone on their feet.
Media group Original Shift will lead zine-making workshops, talks and a photography project to capture the rebellious self-expression of today’s youth.
The conversation between London-based creatives will discuss how they express individual and collective strength through the lens of their own artistic mediums.
In the workshop, everyone will be given a selection of materials and tools to create an A3-sized mixed media piece of their own – based on the talks.
All final pieces will be collated and combined with photographs taken on the day to create a zine that will be available for free for consumers at selected Dr Marten stores.
Made Strong will bring together stories of culture, with emerging talents as well as people who paved the way and how they each broke into their respective industries — perfectly encapsulating a Dr Martens’ shoe.
The Made Strong event takes place tomorrow and is free to attend.
For tickets see https://www.drmartens.com/uk/
Pictures: Ezra Collective, Pictures: PA/Chi Virgo/Original Shift/NAYANA AB