In a world where gentrification is pushing artists out of their neighborhoods, one group found a unique solution: living inside a mall. The documentary “Secret Mall Apartment” tells the story of how eight artists created a homey space within an abandoned section of the Providence Place Mall between 2003 and 2007.
According to artist Michael Townsend, it all started when he noticed a “nowhere space” in the mall’s architecture that served no purpose. He saw potential for a collaborative project with his friends and began to fixate on the idea of creating an apartment within the mall. The group used a tiny camera to capture footage of their living space, which they then shared with documentarian Jeremy Workman.
The documentary reveals six key steps to creating such a space:
1. Find an abandoned space: Townsend recognized the potential for a creative project in the mall’s empty areas.
2. Get a couch: The group agreed that a couch was essential for collaboration and functionality.
3. Build a wall: The artists built a doorway and installed a door using cinder blocks, hauling heavy materials up a steep staircase.
4. Get the lay of the land: Colin Bliss created a model of the mall to understand how they could infiltrate it using emergency exits and hidden entrances.
5. Abide by the “no outsiders” rule: The group limited access to their space to maintain its sanctity, with eight members having permission to live there.
6. Believe that anything can be an art project: Townsend and his friends saw the mall apartment as an extension of their artistic practices, making it a valuable art object in itself.
The documentary offers a unique glimpse into the world of underground artists who pushed the boundaries of creativity and community.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/29/movies/how-to-live-in-the-mall.html