New cultural hub Peckham Levels and its members curate a line-up of exhibitions, performances and in
Opening next month within the inner levels of Peckham's famous multi-storey carpark, Peckham Levels is a new destination that exists to showcase the cultural talent at work in Peckham, creating much needed affordable workspace for local artists and entrepreneurs. To celebrate its official opening, Peckham Levels is to host a launch weekend with a very special events programme, co-curated by its members, celebrating their talent across the worlds of music, art, design, food and more. The weekend will offer the public the chance to explore all seven levels of the former carpark, not only the spaces that will be open permanently to the public after launch, but five additional levels of studio spaces and creative facilities which its members will call home. Across these five levels Peckham Levels' members will showcase their work, collaborate on events and installations, and open their studios to the public for the first time. On the upper two levels, Peckham Levels will launch its new permanent public destination, local DJs will provide the soundtrack to celebrations as the likes of Nandine, Canard, Drums & Flats and more from across the impressive food and drink line-up open for the first time. Registration for Friday's events is open now here with more details to follow on the rest of the weekend.
Peckham Levels will be a new cultural hub created for the benefit of all those living and working in and around Peckham, South London and beyond. The first five floors (Levels 1-4) will contain workspace for emerging artists, designers, makers and creative entrepreneurs. The two upper levels, (Levels 5 & 6) will become a totally unique food, drink and events destination where the public can discover and connect with some of South London's most exciting creators. Over the launch weekend Peckham Levels will be opening all floors for a weekend of discovery.
LEVELS 5 & 6
These levels will be home to seven resident street food traders, two bars, a restaurant and café, live music venue, gallery space, hair salon and yoga studios. The launch weekend will offer a chance to explore this public space for the first time. Expect some of the hottest foodie offerings in South London, including Californian style poké bowls from Lords of Poké, superfood vegan pizza from Pickywops and signature Caribbean chicken wings from Drums & Flats plus Kurdish cuisine from Nandine and many more.
Taking care of drinks in the space are Near and Far, think sparkling cocktails, palm trees and glitter balls, all by the team behind The Magic Roundabout. Also offering refreshments are Lady Godiva who will boast a diverse selection of craft beers and WEST, a natural wine bar and kitchen serving Californian small plates to accompany. To keep the party going over the launch weekend, Peckham Levels has enlisted the help of local DJ’s, each offering their own unique vibe to mark the occasion. Explorers of the space will also be able to visit Level 6 Yoga which will open its studio for the first time and Cahoonas Hair Hub where there will be free hair consultations and live mural paintings by artist Erica Akerlund Art plus a special ‘Hair of the Dog’ event on the Saturday, for those who might need it!
LEVELS 0 - 4
The lower five floors of Peckham Levels include 50 studio spaces offered at affordable rates to local artists and entrepreneurs working in design, fashion, crafts, film, architecture and social enterprise. After nearly 300 people applied, memberships were offered to 70 applicants (some of whom will share studios). Designed to connect talented local people with lasting opportunities and the community around them, the members span the creative spectrum including jewellery designers, fashion designers, illustrators, painters, musicians, embroiders, composers, writers and many more, shining a spotlight on the incredible cultural talent at work in Peckham and Southwark. It's across the lower levels that members will host an Open Studio event for the public for one weekend only, with a co-curated line-up of interactive light and sound displays, exhibitions, performances, live screen printing and much more. The building will also be filled with work from local artists and community figures, offering an insight into the Peckham Levels Community Investment Scheme and showcasing the true vibrancy of life within Peckham.
Level 1 will be home to an open studio exhibition of plinths displaying the variety of work from the artists and designers on the floor. Mi.Mu Gloves are set to demo their incredible wireless, sensor-enabled gloves that can create music through movement and gesture. Patchworks Collective and Chritstina Burke Womenswear will showcase their work along with jewellery designers Ella Bull and Tilly Sudbury plus expect up-cycled garments from The Secret Costumier and work from award-winning conceptual artist, Jade Chorkularb.
An interactive sound and light Installation will be housed on Level 2 and marks the first of what will likely be many collaborations between many from members including the likes of composer Will Wadham, audio visual creative agency Sugarlane Sounds and Peckham Rye Music Festival. Level 2 will also host a projections and textures photo-booth experience, curated by Peckham Level's fashion, photography and arts members including photogrpher Mash Mirza, visual artist from InXSaniXty, Row X Row knitwear and more. Visitors will also get the chance to see the latest projects from graphic design and architecture collective, Playdate Office.
Level 3 hosts an interactive photography exhibition titled ‘Level 3 Makers’, showcasing the variety of talent and practices across the studios on the level including content from Brother Film Co., world renowned violin maker Andreas Hudelmayer, and Intoart, a studio working inclusively with people with learning disabilities.
Level 4 will mark the launch though a collaboration that celebrates Peckham and marks the beginning of a collaborative journey for many at Peckham Levels. Members will tell their stories of Peckham and visitors themselves will be invited to contribute their own thoughts via a podcast. Light shows will fill the floor and dance performances will come courtesy of Movement Factory. Further showcases across the floor will include live screen printing from 3rd Rail, The Bright Rooms Darkroom and an exhibition by local portrait and documentary photographer Adama Jalloh. Peckham Levels will open Friday 8th December from 6pm and will provide a new platform to support and showcase Peckham’s grassroots talent and unique creative spirit. Registration for Friday's events is open now here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/peckham-levels-the-launch-tickets-39827883271
More details will follow for the rest of the weekend. For more information and a full list of the members visit: http://peckhamlevels.org
