Dream your graffiti dreams away…

The hunt is on to find South London’s most talented graffiti artist to become artist in residence for the capital’s largest legal graffiti wall.

The Leake Street Arches, nestled underneath Waterloo railway station, have been a safe space for graffiti artists to show off their talents since 2008.

The arches are a celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment, featuring eight former railway arches brought back to life with a community of independent restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces united in their approach to celebrating urban culture.

What makes it so special is that it adjoins London’s longest legal graffiti wall in Leake Street, which has made its name as a democratic cultural venue for street art following its launch at The Cans Festival, hosted by Banksy.

Now they are looking for the next artist in residence to work with them in 2023 to help curate activity and run classes.

The winner will be named Artist in Residence for 2023 and work to create regular pieces of art on the tunnel walls, run introductory graffiti classes for the public and generally become a champion for the art form and Leake Street.

The winner will also receive a paid commission to create a piece of art for the offices of the owners of Leake Street Arches, LCR Property.

Peter Hawthorne, chief executive of LCR Property, said: “This is a unique opportunity for someone to literally leave their mark on one of London’s most creative destinations.

“We’re looking for someone who is passionate about graffiti, urban culture and what they could achieve in the role”.

The competition is open and will run until 11pm on December 23.

Judging will take place in January 2023 and the announcement of a winner will be made by February 27, in time for the launch of Leake Street Arches’ spring season of activity.

For full terms and conditions, see www.leakestreetarches.london/artistinresidencecompetition

Picture: The artwork in Leake Street Pictures: Leake Street Arches