Our vision

We believe that artists and arts-driven businesses are an integral part of our city's cultural landscape, but are among the most economically vulnerable in these challenging times. Our shared vision is to support each other and our audiences as we seek to strengthen our collective impact for the benefit of all sentient beings.

History

The Secret Alley was built in 2005 by a group of friends. It began as a workshop and studio space that emerged from the underground to serve as a film set, art gallery and community space. As years passed and founding members moved on, new generations of creators moved into vacant studio spaces, using the inspirational environment as a backdrop to pursue their passions. Hundreds of artists, creators, and small businesses have set up shop in The Secret Alley over the years.

After countless incarnations of creative growth and collaboration, The Secret Alley became a non-profit in 2017. This new structure offers sustainability as The Secret Alley continues to support artists by creating immersive studio environments that inspire imagination, foster collaboration and strengthen the audience bond.

Values

Participation - You get what you give

Responsibility - To oneself, to others, to the space

Collaboration - Why one mind, when you can have two, or three, or... But let's keep things moving forward. We want to collaborate, not coblabberate.

Acceptance - Meet people where they are in life. Your experience isn't the right one, and it's definitely not the only one.

Communication - Communication underlies any communal or collective effort. It is a two-way street that requires effort from the party sharing an idea and the party receiving the idea. If you are sharing an idea and don't think your voice has been understood, use art, texts, imagery, videos, memes, or anything it takes to convey your point. If you are receiving an idea, listen to understand, not to respond.

Creativity - To create is to bring an idea into existence. Not all ideas will come to fruition, but as creators, our job is to explore possibilities before accepting or rejecting. We should respond to ideas with curiosity, saying "Yes, if..." rather than "No, because..."