Battling with Paint: Terry Guy on Secret Walls’ Twenty Year History
Secret Walls Founder, Terry Guy. Photo by Ja Tecson
Secret Walls is revolutionizing the art world with its exhilarating live paint battles that captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of artists from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, competition, and community in a high-energy showdown that leaves audiences awestruck. With events held worldwide, Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon, attracting established and emerging artists alike. It provides a platform for diverse talents to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.
As Founder of Secret Walls, Terry Guy launched the renowned live art and entertainment company in 2006 after decades of working in the art industry. Guy has overseen the successful evolution of Global Battles, Supporting Your Local Artist (SYLA), and building the Secret Walls community. As a pioneer of the UK street art scene, Guy previously held esteemed roles at High Rise Murals, UK’s first hand painted
OOH media company, and Dudebox, a vinyl art toy company. Guy shared his creative vision and direction to set up and establish both companies’ notable achievements with the world’s top artists.
Using art as his first language, Guy’s passion for the arts and street culture has brought him all over the world, seeking the finest artistic talent and working for notable clients, such as Posca, Apple, Reebok, and Umbro. Guy is now based in Los Angeles.
How did you get started and what do you do now?
Secret Walls started as a humble idea in the streets of London back in 2006 with the spare £500 I had in my bank for a rainy day. At that time in my life, I was working two PT jobs and fresh out of university looking for work. My vision was to create a platform where street artists could showcase their talents in a competitive, yet supportive environment. I wanted to bring the raw energy and creativity of street art into the spotlight (this was pre-Banksy era), allowing artists to engage with the public in a way that was both entertaining and inspiring. Fast forward over 20 years, Secret Walls has grown into a global phenomenon, hosting live paint battles in major cities around the world. Today, we not only continue to organize these dynamic events, but we're also focusing on creating a lasting legacy for the arts community. We're expanding our reach through educational programs, brand partnerships, and initiatives that support and nurture the next generation of artists.
What are battles? Is there a particular battle that’s memorable for you?
Battles are the heart and soul of Secret Walls. They are live art competitions where two teams of artists go head-to-head, armed with nothing, but black POSCA markers on white canvas walls. These events are timed, high-energy, and the audience often plays a role in deciding the winner. One particularly memorable battle was our 10th-anniversary event in London. It was a homecoming of sorts, bringing together some of the best artists who had participated over the years. The energy was electric, and the creativity on display was truly next-level. It was a testament to how far we've come and a reminder of the incredible talent within our community.
Secret Walls has an impressive lineup of brand partnerships, including Bentley, Modelo, MLS and the NBA. How do these partnerships complement your overall mission?
Our partnerships with brands like Bentley, Modelo, and the NBA are crucial in helping us achieve our mission of elevating and supporting our art community. These collaborations provide us with the resources and platforms to reach wider audiences and give our artists the exposure they deserve. Each partnership is carefully chosen to align with our values and vision. For example, working with Bentley allowed us to blend luxury with urban art, creating unique experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of both brands. With Modelo, we were able to tap into a rich hispanic cultural narrative that celebrates creativity and community. The NBA, MLS partnerships, on the other hand, help us connect with diverse and passionate audiences, emphasizing the universal language of art and sports. These collaborations not only enhance our events, but also help in building a sustainable ecosystem for the arts.
Can you talk about the educational side of Secret Walls? How can artists get involved?
Edu-tainment (coined by KRS-ONE) is a core component of Secret Walls' legacy chapter. We believe as leaders in the space, we have a duty in nurturing the next generation of artists by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed. We are currently building the SW Academy into a much bigger operation that will offer workshops, mentorship programs, and online tutorials that cover everything from technical skills to career development. Artists can get involved by attending our workshops, participating in our events, or joining our online community. We're also working on creating a more structured educational platform that will offer comprehensive courses and certifications. Our goal is to make art education accessible and impactful, ensuring that artists have the support they need not to just survive, but thrive. Watch this space!
Looking ahead, what is your vision for Secret Walls in the next 20 years?
TBH it is insane we are approaching 20yrs as a small business, it has been an emotional roller coaster, but blessed with what we have achieved so far. Looking ahead, I envision Secret Walls becoming a cornerstone of the wider global arts community. We want to continue expanding our live events and educational programs, making them more accessible to artists and audiences worldwide. I see us establishing further permanent spaces in key cities, where artists can come together to create, learn, and collaborate. We're also exploring new technologies and digital platforms to enhance the way we engage with our audience and support our artists. Ultimately, our goal is to create a lasting legacy that not only celebrates street art, but also empowers artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. We want to inspire a new generation of artists and art lovers, ensuring that the spirit of Secret Walls lives on for many years to come.
