On December 1, 2024, “The Underbelly Project” documentary premiered at Miami Art Week, completing a 15-year journey from conception to screen. The project’s completion and premiere were made possible in part by a $12,000 grant from Arterial.org, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to celebrating the arts, contemporary creative culture and preserving significant art history.
The Original Underground Gallery
Between 2009 and 2010, NYC-based curators Workhorse and PAC transformed an abandoned New York City subway station into a secret art installation. They invited over 100 street artists, including Ron English, Swoon, Faile, Revok, and Shepard Fairey, to create works in the space. Each artist worked alone for one night, using only flashlights to illuminate their canvas – the station’s walls, pillars, and platforms.
The location remained secret, and the artwork was never officially shown to the public. The New York Times documented the project in 2010, calling it “the city’s most exclusive underground gallery.” Until now, the project existed primarily through limited documentation and word of mouth within the art community.
The Documentary’s Path to Completion
The documentary, directed by project originators Workhorse and PAC, contains extensive footage from the original project, including artist interviews and the creation process. The film remained unfinished for several years due legal and funding constraints. Arterial’s grant helped provide the necessary support for post-production work to complete the project.
“This grant aligned perfectly with Arterial’s mission to preserve important stories in contemporary art, The Underbelly Project represents a unique moment in street art history that deserves documentation and wider recognition.”
Scott Power, Founder of Arterial.org.
Miami Art Week Premiere
The December 1st premiere at Wynwood Walls drew 200 attendees, including art critics, collectors, and several of the original participating artists. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with directors Workhorse and PAC, who shared insights about both the original project and the documentary’s production.
The film received positive responses from critics and audiences alike, with Art Forum calling it “a vital document of street art’s golden era.” The documentary is now scheduled for streaming release in spring 2025, making this important piece of art history accessible to viewers worldwide.
Through Arterial.org’s support, what began as a hidden art project has now been properly documented and preserved for future generations, demonstrating the organization’s vital role in supporting and sharing significant contemporary art initiatives.
Find Out More
For more, visit https://theunderbellyproject.com/
