About this Event
Leake Street is perhaps the most recognised urban art space in the UK today.
Since 2008, when various artists including Banksy held an exhibition there, the tunnel has transformed into a hub of creativity and expression, becoming an intrinsic part of the international graffiti and street art scene. Every day, the walls are reset and reworked by young and old, new and established artists looking to shake a spray can and join a community of like-minded movers and makers.
Directly under Waterloo station, it is a stones-throw from the city centre and plays host to all manner of creatives; from internationally recognised graffiti legends to school trippers, with musicians and dancers and locals and tourists all sharing a vibrant, ever-changing backdrop deeply rooted in a subculture broadly termed hip-hop – but so much more than that.
The Artists-in-residence can provide an intimate, tailored experience to introduce you to this scene, this tunnel, and the world of spray-can art – through specialist workshops where we give you safe and guided access to decorate the walls and learn tips and techniques for any budding or experienced artist.
No prior experience is necessary, and all abilities and are welcome - whether you've rattled spray paint before, are a seasoned artist or drew a stick man once, years ago.
Workshops are run by a collective of professionals – namely:
Atila - @atila_8t4
Beatfox - @beatfoxuk
Peter Proppa - @peterproppa
All-seeing RA - @allseeing.ra
We are a group formed individually from graffiti as a form of self-expression, and jointly as devoted teachers with a focus on self-help through artistic endeavours.
Courses are available as follows:
- From 1hr – 1.5hrs (longer sessions available upon request)
- Ages 8+
- Personal, families, corporate, larger groups all catered (maximum capacity 35 people per session)
- Prices starting from £50 per head
- Opportunities to use spray cans and freestyle, learn lettering, use stencils, design a mural etc
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided*
- All materials are provided
- Training and safety briefings start each session
- A tour of Leake Street is available upon request
* we advise you to wear clothes you don't mind getting a little paint on - or,wherever possible, bringing a change of clothes
If this sounds like the kind of thing you’d like to try, please do come and join in what promises to be a totally unique moment to push your artistic boundaries and engage in an environment created by us, for us, with community and spirit at its core.
Come light up the darkness.
Shine through paint.
Coexist.
Book your place now.
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General info: www.leakestreetarches.london/graffiti-workshops
Enquiries / special requests: [email protected]
Graffiti Workshop FAQs
What do your sessions involve?
Our standard sessions bring the story of graffiti and Leake Street to life, taking participants through the basics of spray paint control, technique, and the essential do’s and don’ts.
Once they’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. We unleash our budding artists on a dedicated space to create a mural or piece of their choosing — whether that’s a nickname, tag, pet’s name, or something entirely their own.
To round off the experience, we’ll also give you the opportunity to customise a piece of media, such as a canvas or vinyl record, creating a unique keepsake to take away and treasure as a memento of the experience.
Who runs the workshops?
Workshops are run by a collective of professional graffiti and street artists – namely:
Atila - @atila_8t4
Beatfox - @beatfoxuk
Peter Proppa - @peterproppa
All-seeing RA - @allseeing.ra
If you have a specific artist in mind, let us know and we’ll do our best to arrange a workshop with them.
What do you provide?
- Training and health & safety briefing covering all aspects of spray can art.
- Appropriate PPE to ensure safety.
- Spray paint (colours depend on availability).
- Some form of take-home item.
How long are your sessions and what is the price?
Our standard offering is 1 - 1.5 hours at £50 per head.
What should I wear?
You will be provided with nitrile gloves and 3M valved particulate respirators - we recommend you wear “casual” clothes that you can easily move in and you don't mind getting a little paint on - or, wherever possible, bringing a change of clothes (just in case – all efforts are taken to prevent splat!).
Are your paints safe for children to use?
We use an acrylic-based spray paint specific for graffiti - https://loopcolors.com/
We tested all options including various water-based supplies and this was regarded the best on balance. Our PPE is suitable for ages 8+, and we encourage people to ‘dress-down’ if they’re conscious of any splashback. We also encourage anybody with particular needs / preferences to bring their own / preferred PPE as we understand this can be a very individual thing dependent on history, age, and personal circumstances.
How old do children need to be to take part?
The graffiti workshop is suitable for children aged 8 and over. Under 14 year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Do you run private workshops?
We run both group and individual / private workshops - it is up to the client to decide what they'd prefer - and we can create specific tickets / bookings at specific times to suit should that help you decide when is viable. Please contact us directly to find out more.
Is there a maximum group size?
Maximum group size at the moment is 25 people, because we like to ensure safe and manageable attendance. Subject to team availability, we can run much larger workshops with enough notice.
Can I buy a gift card as a gift?
You can purchase a ticket and inform us it is for someone else – if you are unsure what date they may want to come down, please contact us directly and we can assist on a case by case basis.
Do you have multiple sites?
We are exclusively based at Leake Street, the world-famous 'graffiti tunnel' launched by Banksy as part of The Cans Festival in 2008.
Do you offer corporate sessions?
We offer team building, corporate sessions, company away-days, etc. - whereby the team get to produce a mural together, which they can pose in front of once happy (with assistance from us resident artists where needed!) but please do get in touch with any specific requirements.
Can I cancel / rearrange my booking?
Yes, you can cancel or rearrange your booking. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. Any changes are subject to availability and our cancellation policy.
We operate a 7-day refund policy from the date the session is booked, but we aim to be flexible.
Where should we meet on arrival?
We will email you in the lead-up to your session with specific instructions as the exact location may change – usually we’ll use the ramped section opposite Draughts by the main entrance, or if it is dry / sunny, we’ll go to the outdoor ramped area towards Lower Marsh entrance.
How early before my session will I arrive?
We recommend you arrive 10 minutes before your session. We’ll be set up for the exact start time unless otherwise stated.
How do you cater for neurodivergent / disabled participants?
Our graffiti workshops are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. We can make reasonable adjustments to support participants with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other neurodivergent or additional needs. We actively seek the best space in the tunnel to operate with any mobility issues or disabilities, but if you have any specific requirements, please let us know when booking so we can make the workshop as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
When are the tunnels open?
The tunnel is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Our collective operate around four days per week, but this is always updated and subject to specific requests / workshop sessions.
Event venue & nearby stays
Leake Street Arches, Leake Street, London, United Kingdom
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