What started in the vibrant streets of Shoreditch, East London, has transformed into a global phenomenon. Secret Walls, the pioneering live art battle platform, blends street art with high-energy competition, captivating audiences in over 100 cities and 50 countries. From its grassroots beginnings to international acclaim, Secret Walls showcases artistic talent, fosters community, and thrives on innovation. Join us as we explore the journey, challenges, and future plans of this creative powerhouse that’s reshaping how the world experiences art.

Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon. What inspired the original idea, and How did it all begin in East London?

The spark for Secret Walls ignited from a desire to create a platform that truly celebrated street art and creativity in a competitive environment. The inspiration began in Shoreditch, East London, where I saw a vibrant street art scene and felt compelled to bring that energy into a live format, blending the thrill of sports with an artistic expression.

The live art battle concept is unique and exciting. What made you choose this format to showcase artistic talent?

I am obsessed with the creative process so I opted for the live paint battle format because it encapsulates the immediacy of creating art and the intensity of competition. This setup not only engages the audience but showcases the artists’ skills in real-time, cultivating an electrifying atmosphere that traditional art displays simply can’t replicate.

Over the years, Secret Walls has gone international. How have different cultures and cities influenced the energy and style of the battles?

As Secret Walls has expanded internationally, each city we visit brings its own unique flavor to the battles. The diverse backgrounds of both the artists, DJ’s and audiences influence the styles, themes, and energy of the events, making each one a distinct celebration of local culture while keeping the core spirit of competition and creativity intact.

Collaboration and competition are at the heart of Secret Walls. How do you strike a balance between fostering community and encouraging rivalry?

We emphasize collaboration and mutual respect among the artists while fostering a friendly rivalry through the battles. This approach encourages artists to stretch their creativity while nurturing a supportive environment where they can learn from one another. I think this energy on stage is the secret sauce that makes artists big and small want to come back again and again.

What’s one of the most memorable battles or moments in Secret Walls history that has stuck with you?

There have been so many special moments over the last 20 years but one that stands out would be when we hosted a battle under the Brooklyn Bridge with Adidas, hosted by Action Bronson. That was epic. Our simple concept has allowed us to travel the world to over 100 cities, 50+ countries and counting.

Technology and social media have transformed how art is consumed. How has Secret Walls adapted to this shift?

We’ve embraced technology and social media by live-streaming our events and engaging with our audience online. This not only enhances accessibility but allows us to build a global community, where people can connect with the art and the artists, no matter where they are. During the pandemic we also experimented and introduced 3D and 2D battles using VR headsets and Procreate on the iPad. 

Secret Walls has featured some incredible talent over the years. How do you scout or select artists for the battles?

We scout artists by looking for distinctive personalities + styles and a genuine passion for their craft. We keep a keen eye on both emerging talents and established artists within the art scene, ensuring a diverse lineup that showcases a range of styles and perspectives at each battle. For any artists reading this, please apply through our website as the door is always open. 

What challenges have you faced in growing Secret Walls from a local event to an international movement, and how have you overcome them?

Transitioning from a local event to an international movement has presented fun challenges, including logistical complexities and differing cultural expectations. We’ve navigated these hurdles by being adaptable and receptive to feedback, ensuring we respect local customs while maintaining the essence of Secret Walls. Also like any small business, we are always trying to balance the books as we are independently owned and operated and the cost of doing business these days is not cheap… Especially if you are based out of California 🙂 

You’ve created a platform for artists to gain exposure and connect with audiences. What’s the most rewarding part of seeing their growth?

The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the growth of artists who have participated in our battles. Seeing them gain recognition and advance their careers thanks to the exposure and connections made through Secret Walls is immensely fulfilling.

Looking to the future, what’s next for Secret Walls? Are there any upcoming collaborations, expansions, or new concepts in the works?

Looking to the future, we’re eager to build out the Secret Walls Academy and our LA headquarters as we gear up towards the World Cup and the Olympics here in Los Angeles. We’re keen on expanding our reach and exploring new concepts, such as themed battles and collaborations with other creative industries. There’s still so much potential to explore in merging different art forms and reaching new audiences. We would love to explore placing our show in new unique spaces, museums, sky scrapers, creative studios and sports stadiums. 

As Secret Walls continues to break boundaries and bring art to unexpected places, it remains a beacon of creativity and collaboration. From under the Brooklyn Bridge to VR-enhanced battles, its journey is a testament to the power of community and innovation in the art world. With upcoming expansions like the Secret Walls Academy and plans for the World Cup and Olympics in Los Angeles, the future is bright. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of a global creative revolution.