Rise

Borough of Culture 2020 Opening Event, London

Client

Southpaw Dance Company / Brent Council

Location

Wembley Park, Brent, London Borough of Culture 2020

Client

Southpaw Dance Company / Brent Council

Location

Wembley Park, Brent, London Borough of Culture 2020

Project Details

A Bold Celebration of Brent’s Cultural Legacy

On Saturday 18 January 2020, thousands gathered on Olympic Way in Wembley Park to witness RISE—a spectacular outdoor performance marking the launch of Brent’s year as London Borough of Culture 2020. Hosted by Wembley Park as the Principal Partner, this free, large-scale event told the powerful story of Brent’s influence on British culture, celebrating its music, activism, and rebellious spirit. Against the dramatic backdrop of Wembley Stadium, the event brought together Southpaw Dance Company, a community cast of hundreds, and an electrifying live performance by Brent-born General Levy. A specially designed five-storey stage was brought to life with stunning digital projections, adding a breathtaking visual dimension to the music, spoken word, and dance performances.

Project Details

A Bold Celebration of Brent’s Cultural Legacy

On Saturday 18 January 2020, thousands gathered on Olympic Way in Wembley Park to witness RISE—a spectacular outdoor performance marking the launch of Brent’s year as London Borough of Culture 2020. Hosted by Wembley Park as the Principal Partner, this free, large-scale event told the powerful story of Brent’s influence on British culture, celebrating its music, activism, and rebellious spirit. Against the dramatic backdrop of Wembley Stadium, the event brought together Southpaw Dance Company, a community cast of hundreds, and an electrifying live performance by Brent-born General Levy. A specially designed five-storey stage was brought to life with stunning digital projections, adding a breathtaking visual dimension to the music, spoken word, and dance performances.

The Brief

Creating a Visually Spectacular Storytelling Experience

The challenge was to visually enhance RISE with dynamic digital projections that complemented the scale, energy, and emotion of the performance. The projections needed to transform the custom-built five-storey stage, immersing audiences in the cultural journey of Brent while seamlessly integrating with the movement of the performers. The visual storytelling had to be bold, impactful, and reflective of Brent’s rich heritage, diversity, and cultural influence. It needed to work in harmony with the choreography, spoken word, and music, elevating the entire production into a fully immersive experience.

The Brief

Creating a Visually Spectacular Storytelling Experience

The challenge was to visually enhance RISE with dynamic digital projections that complemented the scale, energy, and emotion of the performance. The projections needed to transform the custom-built five-storey stage, immersing audiences in the cultural journey of Brent while seamlessly integrating with the movement of the performers. The visual storytelling had to be bold, impactful, and reflective of Brent’s rich heritage, diversity, and cultural influence. It needed to work in harmony with the choreography, spoken word, and music, elevating the entire production into a fully immersive experience.

Our Response

Bringing Brent’s Story to Life with Digital Art

NOVAK’s approach to RISE was to create large-scale, high-impact digital projections that framed and amplified the performance. The visuals transformed the five-storey stage into a dynamic, ever-changing canvas, shifting between abstract imagery, archival material, and striking animations that reflected the spirit of Brent’s cultural evolution. Each visual sequence was carefully choreographed to align with Southpaw Dance Company’s movement and the rhythm of the show. The projections helped narrate Brent’s journey—transitioning from the borough’s activist roots to its musical legacy and beyond, celebrating its impact on British culture today. The night culminated in a high-energy performance from General Levy, with the visuals intensifying to match the explosive energy of the music—ensuring RISE ended on an unforgettable high. By combining cutting-edge projection design with powerful storytelling, NOVAK played a key role in making RISE a breathtaking and immersive celebration of Brent’s identity.

Our Response

Bringing Brent’s Story to Life with Digital Art

NOVAK’s approach to RISE was to create large-scale, high-impact digital projections that framed and amplified the performance. The visuals transformed the five-storey stage into a dynamic, ever-changing canvas, shifting between abstract imagery, archival material, and striking animations that reflected the spirit of Brent’s cultural evolution. Each visual sequence was carefully choreographed to align with Southpaw Dance Company’s movement and the rhythm of the show. The projections helped narrate Brent’s journey—transitioning from the borough’s activist roots to its musical legacy and beyond, celebrating its impact on British culture today. The night culminated in a high-energy performance from General Levy, with the visuals intensifying to match the explosive energy of the music—ensuring RISE ended on an unforgettable high. By combining cutting-edge projection design with powerful storytelling, NOVAK played a key role in making RISE a breathtaking and immersive celebration of Brent’s identity.

Credits

Credits

Robby Graham – Artistic Director/Choreographer
Rebecca Brower – Designer
NOVAK – Video Design and Playback
Kate Bonney – Lighting Design
Danilo Walde – Sound Design
Cinematographers – Daniel Löwenstein & Tom Walder
Molly Syrett – Costume Supervisor
Hannah Postlethwaite – Associate Designer/Props Supervisor
Aileen Kelly – Costume Assistant
Jacob Anderson – Props Assistant
Ethan Cheek – Props Assistant
Michael LLoyd – Props Assistant

Frank Wilson – Producer
Ian Bone – Production Manager
Audrey Leonard – Site Manager
Ben Coxon – Impact Production Services
Anne Marie Chebib – Select Security and Stewarding
Paul Kizintas – Epione Medical Services
Wes Pierce – Number 8 Events

Credits

Credits

Robby Graham – Artistic Director/Choreographer
Rebecca Brower – Designer
NOVAK – Video Design and Playback
Kate Bonney – Lighting Design
Danilo Walde – Sound Design
Cinematographers – Daniel Löwenstein & Tom Walder
Molly Syrett – Costume Supervisor
Hannah Postlethwaite – Associate Designer/Props Supervisor
Aileen Kelly – Costume Assistant
Jacob Anderson – Props Assistant
Ethan Cheek – Props Assistant
Michael LLoyd – Props Assistant

Frank Wilson – Producer
Ian Bone – Production Manager
Audrey Leonard – Site Manager
Ben Coxon – Impact Production Services
Anne Marie Chebib – Select Security and Stewarding
Paul Kizintas – Epione Medical Services
Wes Pierce – Number 8 Events