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New Documentary ‘Secret Mall Apartment’ Explores Underground Art

SECRET MALL APARTMENT, poster, 2025. © Wheelhouse Creative /Courtesy Everett Collection

UPDATE: A new documentary titled Secret Mall Apartment is now streaming, revealing an astonishing underground art project that remained hidden for four years inside the Providence Place Mall. Directed by Jeremy Workman, this film dives deep into the life of artist Michael Townsend and his friends, who transformed a vacant area of the mall into a secret living space from 2003 to 2007.

This gripping story is not just about art; it raises urgent questions about gentrification and the value of creativity in a capitalist society. The documentary highlights how the mall, which opened in 1999, catered to affluent shoppers while pushing out local artists and lower-income residents. Townsend and his crew decided to create their own space in an abandoned 750 square-foot area, challenging the norms of artistic expression and community existence.

Townsend, known for his unique tape art and community projects, filmed much of their clandestine operation using a camera small enough to fit in an Altoids tin. The group smuggled in furniture, set up a TV, and even constructed a wall with a locked door to evade detection. Their project was a form of social critique, highlighting the displacement of artists and the homeless by corporate interests.

The documentary features interviews with Townsend and his fellow artists, who express their frustrations with the prevailing capitalist mindset that values profits over creativity. “We are no different than a barnacle on a whale,” Townsend reflects on their unnoticed presence within the mall’s walls.

Why This Matters NOW: As urban spaces increasingly prioritize commercial development over artistic communities, Secret Mall Apartment serves as a vital commentary on the ongoing struggle between creatives and capitalists. It sheds light on the broader implications of artistic expression in urban settings, resonating strongly in today’s context where many face displacement due to gentrification.

The film thoughtfully juxtaposes Townsend’s personal story with the larger narrative of Providence’s artistic community, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art, life, and activism. With its urgent themes and engaging storytelling, Secret Mall Apartment has quickly become one of the year’s most talked-about documentaries.

As audiences seek to understand the significance of art in their communities, this documentary is not just a film; it’s a call to reflect on the spaces we inhabit and the stories we tell.

Watch it now on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking exploration of art and life happening right now!

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