This Autumn sees the launch of #LeakeStreetLIVE, a new free public events programme that will bring a range of events and activations to Leake Street Arches. September will feature a variety of taster experiences before the full programme launches officially in November.
#LeakeStreetLIVE supports the Leake Street Arches ethos of celebrating urban culture and creativity by providing immersive experiences that everyone can get involve
The September programme will include graffiti lessons, dance classes, graffiti talks, live music and a paint jam.
GRAFFITI WORKSHOPS Every Thursday, visitors can take part in a graffiti class led by Sophy Robson (aka SOFLY). Sophy will give a brief introduction to the world of graffiti before demonstrating a few techniques. Guests will then be invited to leave their own mark on the walls of Leake Street. Workshops include overalls, masks and spray paint. Workshops take place each Thursday from 6.30pm to 7.30p CLICK HERE
DANCEFIT CLASSES Every Friday, visitors can take part in a workout routine to sweat out the week and start the weekend with a new energy. Working in partnership with Mindset (the fitness studio on Lower Marsh that helps members build their mindset as much as their physique), these DanceFIT sessions include a basic choreographed warm up before moving on to a range of cardio and core exercises. Aimed at beginners, these classes will be set to a different soundtrack each week.
Classes take place each Friday from 5pm to 6pm
GRAFFITI TALKS Every Saturday, visitors are invited to take a seat and listen to a 4 part series of talks about graffiti led by KZM Studio. Run by Kevin Zuchowski Morrison, an art dealer turned gallery owner who now organises large scale public art programmes, the talks will cover various topics. Week One will include identifying letter styles and graffiti terminology, Week Two will touch on influences, players and crews. Week Three will explore the graffiti artists journey from villain to hero and Week Four will discuss why this art form is more relevant than ever before and why we should protect and preserve it. These talks are all free and include the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Talks take place every Saturday from 11am to 11.30am and then again from 1pm to 1.30pm.
LIVE MUSIC Throughout September, Leake Street will welcome some of the talented musicians from Busk London’s roster to perform for evening visitors. Busk London is the world’s largest street performance initiative, curating over 7000 hours of live street music across the Capital each year.
Performances will take place on:
Tuesday 3 September (5 – 8pm) Sherika Sherard and Scott Folan Wednesday 11 September (5 – 8pm) Joe Slater and Joncan Kavlakoglu Thursday 19 September (5 – 8pm) Lucy May Walker and Jazz Mino Friday 27 September (6 – 8pm) Josh Gleaves
PAINT JAM On Saturday 21st September, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, a group of graffiti artists will take over a section of Leake Street and create artwork according to the theme ‘See the person, not the Dementia’. With multiple pieces being created at the same time, it’s the perfect opportunity for people to visit Leake Street and watch the progress as it unfolds throughout the day! The Paint Jam is being run in partnership with South London graffiti coffee shop, WildStyle Graff Café and supported by The Alzheimer’s Society (who will be there on the day to share information about their work and to collect donations). Further information to follow!