- Co-founder and CEO of Global Street Art
- PhD in Evolutionary Mathematics from University of Cambridge
- Founder of the London Mural Festival and creator of over 3000 murals
Dr Lee Bofkin is the co-founder and CEO of Global Street Art, Europe’s largest hand-painted advertising and mural painting company. With a career that spans breakdancing, academia and large-scale public art, Lee brings a distinctive perspective to creativity, storytelling and innovation. He is known for making complex ideas accessible and engaging, blending street-level experience with academic insight.
A breakdancer and founding member of Soul Mavericks Crew, Lee went on to earn a PhD in Evolutionary Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. After a foray into finance, he turned his attention to street art, documenting over 50,000 pieces of graffiti across 25 countries. This passion led to the creation of Global Street Art in 2012, a platform that has since produced over 3,000 murals for both community and commercial clients. Lee's agency also runs the London Mural Festival, which brings together artists to transform public spaces on a monumental scale.
Lee’s interest in the patterns and processes behind creativity extends into curatorial work. At Global Street Art’s headquarters in London, he has assembled a museum-quality collection of over 100,000 objects that explore the history of creative thinking over the past 150 years. He also leads workshops on creative thinking to companies like Sony Music and Soho House, and regularly speaks at major conferences, including TEDx, WIRED and SXSW.
As a neurodivergent individual, Lee is open about how this influences his work and encourages others to embrace different cognitive approaches. His sessions are known for their energy, humour and thought-provoking insights, shaped by a career that defies convention.
Dr Lee's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Inspiration Can’t Be Automated
Lee Bofkin explores why creativity remains a uniquely human trait in the age of AI. While machines are designed to accelerate and optimise, they lack the imperfection and spontaneity that make human inspiration powerful. This talk examines the limitations of automation in creative processes and why analogue ideas, painted walls and real-world imperfections continue to captivate. With wit and insight, Lee highlights why human imagination is still the most irreplaceable tool in innovation.
Art For Everyone: The Power Of Public Art And Visual Storytelling
From community murals to viral street art, Lee Bofkin unpacks the cultural and emotional impact of public art. Drawing from his work with Global Street Art and the London Mural Festival, he explores how visual storytelling can bridge divides, foster belonging and breathe life into neglected urban spaces. Attendees gain a fresh understanding of art as a catalyst for connection, collaboration and change, through the lens of one of Europe’s most prolific public art organisers.
Creative Thinking: Lessons From Europe’s Leading Mural Company
What does running thousands of large-scale creative projects teach you about originality, problem-solving and momentum? Lee Bofkin reflects on his experience at the helm of Global Street Art, sharing insights into how to build and maintain creativity in commercial and community contexts. Combining structure with spontaneity, Lee offers a candid and entertaining look at the principles and practices that support real-world creative success.
How To Succeed In The Creative Industries
Breaking into the creative world is rarely straightforward. Lee Bofkin draws on a career that has spanned academia, street culture and entrepreneurship to explore how to forge your own path. With practical examples he explains how to stay adaptable, identify your creative edge and avoid burnout. This session is especially valuable for those navigating creative careers in today’s fast-moving media and cultural industries.
Neurodivergence And Creativity
Lee Bofkin speaks openly about neurodivergence and its role in shaping creative potential. Drawing on personal experience, he explores how diverse cognitive approaches can fuel innovation and lead to deeper insights. This session highlights the importance of inclusion, understanding and curiosity when working with neurodiverse teams. Lee’s approach combines humour, candour and strategy, offering practical tools for leaders and creatives alike.
Why we recommend booking Dr Lee
Unlock your team's creativity with Dr. Lee Bofkin, CEO of Global Street Art and co-founder of the London Mural Festival. With a PhD in Evolutionary Mathematics, his insights can transform challenges into opportunities. Book now to inspire your organisation.
We hosted a creative session with a key client at Global Street Art's HQ - the space is truly unlike any other venue.
It’s so obvious how much love and thought has been poured into the space. The tour was fun and informative, the GSA team were warm and welcoming, and the space itself really opened our minds – as a result our meeting was more productive, considerably more fun and led to exciting territories I don’t think we’d have gotten to elsewhere!
Kat de Keyser
Chief Client Experience Officer, OMD
The Creative Session at Global Street Art was brilliant; the whole experience was inspiring, and the creative exercise was both fun and useful in equal measure.
Nate Thompson
Executive Creative Director, Amplify UK
Firstly, what an amazing creative bunch, truly stimulating the senses with the work they are doing. Their Gallery is a sacred space, a treasure trove of nostalgia and inspiration which truly gets you thinking differently about the construct when shaping ideas. Lee got the team thinking differently about the build of a creative idea and the outputs were amazing. We can’t wait for the next one.
Managing Partner, Starcom UK
Managing Partner, Starcom UK
