Secret Walls has become an iconic platform for live art battles, blending creativity, competition, and raw energy. These events are more than just artistic showdowns—they’re a fusion of visual expression, performance, and audience participation. The artists, selected for their boldness and ability to perform under pressure, bring diverse styles to the canvas while connecting with a crowd that’s hungry for unscripted culture. Whether it’s a packed room of street art enthusiasts or a mix of creatives from all walks of life, the atmosphere at Secret Walls is electric, making each event an unrepeatable experience.
How do you select the artists who participate in the battles?
We’ve always wanted to bring together a mix of artists, from emerging talent to established names. The key is diversity in style and backgrounds, but most importantly, artists with a bold, live energy who can embrace the pressure of performing on the spot.
It’s not just about technical skill—it’s also about how well an artist can entertain and add theatrics to win over the crowd. We look for people who can connect with the audience through their energy, creativity, and presence. It’s all about the vibe and what they bring to the canvas.
Our website application form is open all year round and we are constantly on the hunt for fresh talent, as we pride ourselves on being a platform for the rising stars.
What kind of audience typically attends a Secret Walls event?
Our audience is a mix of creatives, art lovers, anyone who’s up for an energetic experience and ready to be inspired. You’ll find a blend of street art enthusiasts, music lovers, collectors and people who seek out those never-before-seen and impossible-to-replicate experiences.
It’s always a diverse crowd, from skaters to corporate types, who want to break out of the 9-to-5 routine. There’s something about the live, unscripted nature of our battles that pulls in people who are hungry for culture and creativity. Plus, the energy of the crowd is like that of a live sports event. They’re fully engaged and pumped up, creating this electric atmosphere that drives through the night.
Over the last 20 years, we’ve noticed that the crowd shape-shifts depending on the culture of the hosting city and country. These cultural intersections bring fresh ideas and energy to the space in a way you could never anticipate.
video from an epic old school battle in Shoreditch
Can you explain the role of the audience during a battle?
From day zero, the audience has always played a massive role inside of our show. It’s not just about watching—it’s about participating. They fuel the artists with their energy, and their reactions guide the flow of the battle. At the end of the night, the audience decides who wins, so their engagement and excitement are essential. It’s almost like they become part of the art itself. Without the crowd, there is no battle.
The audience brings a live sport energy to the event, cheering on the artists and making it feel like a creative showdown. To win over the crowd, artists often incorporate theatrics, bold moves, and unexpected twists—it’s not just about what’s on the canvas but how they captivate the audience. I always describe Secret Walls to people who have never attended as a “freestyle visual rap battle”.
How are the battles judged, and what criteria do the judges use?
Judging at Secret Walls is a combination of audience reaction, using a prehistoric decibel reader, and input from a panel of two guest judges. Judges are usually respected artists, creatives, or influencers from the local community. They’re looking at the composition, creativity, use of space, storytelling and overall impact of the piece.
It’s not always about who has the cleanest lines—it’s about who connects with the audience and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within the time given. Adding theatrics and entertaining the crowd can often tip the scale in an artist’s favor, as it’s about the full live experience, beyond the art itself.
Our three-point system has been in place since the start and kept loose enough to spark the occasional fun of controversy here and there. I think that only adds to the spectacle, although we are also exploring new systems to improve moving forward.
What is the significance of using black POSCA markers and paint in the battles?
We love POSCA markers—they’re a tried and tested classic tool that the artist community trusts. They’re smoother than most and cover really well, which is crucial when artists are working under tight time constraints on huge canvases.
The black POSCA markers and black paint have become iconic to the Secret Walls battles. They level the playing field—no one gets to hide behind colors or flashy effects. It’s all about raw skill and creativity. Using just black forces, the artists are encouraged to think differently, with a focus on form, contrast, and boldness. It gives the battles that signature look, where the focus is entirely on the artistry and performance.
How does Secret Walls incorporate music into its events?
Music is the heartbeat of our battles. We always have a live DJ or music element pumping energy into the room. Whether it’s hip-hop, electronic, or something local to the city we’re in, the music sets the tone and keeps the crowd hyped.
The beats are just as important as the markers and paint—it’s all part of the live experience. It adds to the pressure the artists are feeling, and the rhythm keeps them on their toes. Every now and then, we have celebrity and influencer musicians pop-up unannounced with five-minute performances.
How do you ensure that each battle is unique and fresh?
It’s all about the location, the artists, and the vibe of the city we’re in. Each place has its own energy, and the artists bring their unique styles and perspectives. We never do the same thing twice, because the dynamics are always different. We also bring in guest artists, local collaborators, and even change up the format. The unpredictability is what makes each battle feel fresh and one-of-a-kind.
Check our recently announced US tour, every room will look and feel completely different.
Can you talk about some of the global cities that have hosted Secret Walls battles?
We’ve been fortunate to take Secret Walls to some of the most iconic cities around the world. From New York to Tokyo, Berlin to Melbourne, we’ve brought the live art experience to every corner of the globe. Each city brings its own flavor.
For example, in Tokyo, the attention to detail was incredible, while Berlin brought that raw, underground edge. No two battles are the same, because the local street culture always adds something special. It’s crazy to think that, since our first show twenty years ago in Shoreditch, we have performed in 50+ countries and 100+ cities. Makes me feel a bit old, honestly.
Coming to the UK soon?
Funny enough, I’m writing this from the new D*Face x Art’otel in Shoreditch while on holiday with my family. This is my first time back in a long while and I’ve been wandering the streets, reminiscing about the good ol’ days—when life was simpler hosting underground battles in East London.
The UK and Shoreditch has a special place in my heart, especially since the very first studio was at Village Underground, a converted tube train, in the original Shoreditch triangle. It’s been a while, and we’re definitely planning our return.
We have big ambitions of bringing international talent along for the ride—imagine Team USA versus Team UK. The art scene in the UK is always evolving, and we’re excited to bring our live battle energy back with a bang.
Since we left, a few copy-cat formats have popped-up. Artists tell me that it’s just not the same, and we need to come home and show them who’s boss. This only adds fuel to the fire for hosting bigger-and-better experiences, all in good fun, of course.
