The Ark of Extinction is an international creative project founded by London-based artist Marc Craig in June 2024, dedicated to raising awareness about endangered species through the medium of street art. Combining his passion for art and conservation, Craig collaborates with artists worldwide to create striking murals that depict critically endangered animals. These artworks are strategically placed in urban landscapes to engage local communities and inspire action toward protecting vulnerable species. 

The initiative aims to harness local pride and galvanize communities to rally for change, advocating for environmental sustainability and inspiring positive action that resonates beyond the walls they paint. By transforming public spaces into platforms for environmental education, The Ark of Extinction seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve biodiversity for future generations.

Hidden Art, Hidden Stories

100 self-portraits. 100 hidden artworks. 100 hidden stories.

Hidden Art, Hidden Stories is a public art initiative by London-based artist Marc Craig, aiming to explore the often unspoken aspects of our mental health journeys. In this project, Marc has created 100 self-portraits on old, damaged photographs, each uniquely transformed into a piece of art. These portraits are discreetly placed around London, waiting to be discovered by passersby.

On the back of each framed portrait, finders will notice a QR code accompanied by a thought-provoking question:

“If you could give your mental health journey a voice, what would it say?”

By scanning the QR code, individuals are invited to share their anonymous reflections, contributing to a collective archive of unseen experiences. This growing collection aims to shed light on the shared, yet often hidden, struggles we face, fostering a sense of connection and understanding within the community.

The project emphasizes the importance of anonymity to encourage genuine expression. Participants are advised to use pseudonyms or alter egos if they wish to be quoted, ensuring their privacy while allowing their voices to be heard. Over time, these submissions may inspire further creative endeavors, integrating the shared stories into new artworks or exhibitions.

Through Hidden Art, Hidden Stories, Marc Craig invites us to reflect, connect, and bring visibility to the invisible narratives that shape our mental health journeys, one hidden story at a time. 

Max The Virus is a creative project initiated by London-based artist Marc Craig in 2021, aiming to transform the negative connotations associated with viruses during the pandemic into a symbol of creativity and resilience. Inspired by AI-generated imagery, Craig developed a unique virus character, which he refined into the vibrant persona known as Max The Virus. 

As the Artist in Residence at Leake Street Arches beneath Waterloo Station, Craig utilizes this dynamic urban canvas to experiment with Max The Virus, creating murals that interact with the ever-changing environment. This residency has fostered significant breakthroughs and community engagement, enriching both the character’s evolution and the local art scene. 

Beyond physical murals, Max The Virus ventures into the digital realm, reimagining iconic artworks through contemporary lenses. This fusion of traditional and modern techniques allows Craig to explore a broader range of artistic possibilities, bridging past and present creative expressions. 

Through Max The Virus, Marc Craig encapsulates a journey of artistic innovation, community connection, and the transformative power of art in redefining narratives.

SMOKINCAT is a creative project by London-based street artist Marc Craig, blending street art with cryptocurrency culture. The project features a trippy, magic pen-wielding feline character, inspired by the smoky clouds of a magic pen, embodying artistic freedom and collaboration. Launched on November 24, 2024, as a meme coin, SMOKINCAT quickly gained traction, reflecting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of both art and digital currency. 

Central to SMOKINCAT’s ethos is its connection to Leake Street, London’s iconic graffiti tunnel, where Marc Craig serves as artist-in-residence. This vibrant environment serves as a backdrop for SMOKINCAT’s evolution, merging street art with community engagement. 

The project’s roadmap includes community-building initiatives such as workshops, street art collaborations, and meme contests to engage participants in the SMOKINCAT vibe. Future plans involve the release of NFTs, exclusive art drops, and global creative collaborations, aiming to expand SMOKINCAT’s reach and influence. 

By fusing traditional street art with modern digital elements, SMOKINCAT represents a unique intersection of creativity and technology, inviting individuals to join a movement that celebrates artistic expression and community connection.

Graffiti Workshops at Leake Street Arches with Marc Craig

Unleash your inner artist at the iconic Leake Street Arches in London, where renowned street artist Marc Craig, the Artist in Residence, leads immersive graffiti workshops. Located beneath Waterloo Station, Leake Street, also known as the “Banksy Tunnel,” serves as London’s only legal graffiti space, offering a vibrant canvas for creative expression. 

In these two-hour sessions, participants receive hands-on guidance from Marc Craig, known for his signature doodle-style murals and collaborations with major brands. The workshop begins with a brief tour of the tunnel, showcasing its dynamic street art scene. Participants then learn spray-painting techniques, culminating in the creation of their own graffiti masterpiece on the tunnel walls. Additionally, attendees are taught the mesmerizing “Graffiti Galaxy” painting technique, allowing them to create a unique artwork to take home. 

Workshops are fully insured and open to individuals aged 12 and above. Protective gear, including masks, overalls, and gloves, is provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Sessions are typically held Thursday through Sunday at various times, with a maximum of 15 participants per workshop to ensure personalized attention. Pricing is set at £50 per adult and £40 for under-18s. Private group and corporate workshops are also available upon request. 

Whether you’re a budding artist or simply looking to try something new, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to engage with London’s street art culture under the expert guidance of Marc Craig. Come and transform a blank wall into your personal canvas, and experience the thrill of graffiti art in a supportive and inspiring environment.service.

Marc Craig’s Artist-in-Residence Tenure at Leake Street Arches

In April 2022, London-based artist Marc Craig commenced his role as the inaugural Artist in Residence at Leake Street Arches, London’s only legal graffiti tunnel situated beneath Waterloo Station. Initially appointed for a one-year term, his residency was extended through April 2024 due to the success of his projects and deep engagement with the community.

During his tenure, Craig has undertaken several notable initiatives:

• Community Portraits: He embarked on an ambitious project to create 52 mural portraits, each representing individuals from the local community. The series began with a tribute to his late father, followed by a portrait of Peter Hawthorne, CEO of LCR Property, the custodians of Leake Street Arches.

• Graffiti Workshops: Craig curated immersive graffiti workshops, guiding participants in creating their own street art. These sessions include tours of the tunnel’s vibrant art scene and instruction in techniques like the “Graffiti Galaxy” painting. Open to individuals aged 12 and above, the workshops have attracted numerous participants, fostering community engagement and appreciation for urban art. 

• Ceiling Mural – Beaver: As a grand finale to his residency, Craig plans to create an expansive mural on the ceiling of Leake Street featuring the beaver. This artwork is part of The Ark of Extinction UK mural tour in 2025, aiming to raise awareness about endangered species through street art.