Alley Resources

We’re researching alley activation projects all over the world in preparation for the Tulsa Art Alley project. The following links and videos offer inspiring examples of alleys brought to life through art and programming, as well as handbooks for successful alley activation projects.

Alley Network Project – Seattle

The Alley Network Project harnesses the energy and ideas of neighbors, businesses, colleagues, and community groups to transform Seattle’s Pioneer Square alleys into one of the city’s unrivaled assets. Alleys provide an opportunity for the historic district to boost healthy activity on its streets, feed its vibrant arts culture, draw people to local businesses, and even improve its basic infrastructure.

International Sustainability Institute’s Alley Network Project
HUDUser.org, Office of Policy Development & Research (PD&R)
Alley Event Handbook
The Alley Network Project

Inspiring Art Alley Articles

Finding the Untapped Potential of Alleys
CityLab, 2018
“The American alley is on the rise for sure. Because I think the alley in an Asian or European city goes through cycles — they’re more built into the fabric. They were always a place for people to be, whereas in America they were for horses or cars or garbage, and now we’re starting to realize they’re just as powerful as a park or plaza, potentially.”
A New Life for Urban Alleys
CityLab, 2016
How Alleys Are Becoming Pathways to Urban Revitalization
Gizmodo, 2018
Laneways We Love
Toronto Laneways Project
Alley, Alley, in Come Free
Photo essay featuring projects in Vancouver BC, San Francisco, Seattle, and Melbourne, 2011
Sightline Daily
Pinterest: Alley photos around the world
Placemaking: The Reimagined Laneway
SmartCitiesDive.com
National spotlight: Alleyways become pathways to urban revitalization
ElevationDCMedia.com

Alley Activation Examples & Guidelines

Austin
- Activating the Alleys of Austin
  smartech.gatech.edu
- Austin’s 20ft WIDE Project
  - Introducing 20ft WIDE
    Arts Alliance Austin
  - 20ft WIDE Before and After
    fyoog.com

Birmingham
- Activating Urban Space: A Strategy for Alleys & Passages
Chattanooga

Four downtown Chattanooga alleys transformed into works of art
- Downtown Chattanooga had a party Wednesday night in four of its alleyways that have been transformed into works of “public architecture” by artists from as far away as Australia. More than 1,000 people registered for Party in the Passageways, an event with free food, beer and entertainment to kick off the Passageways program. It promotes the potential of downtown’s alleys by transforming four of them into works of art ranging from an installation of hanging bamboo poles to a high-tech simulation of Chattanooga’s stars at night. Times Free Press

Chicago
- Chicago’s Green Alley Program
  Initiative by the City of Chicago to “green Chicago’s alley with environmentally friendly stormwater treatment features, permeable paving, and light fixtures to reduce light pollution. Over 100 projects have been installed since 2006.
  CityofChicago.org
Cincinatti
- Spring in Our Steps
  A consortium of committed Cincinnati residents, who feel that forgotten pedestrian spaces can become some of the city’s best assets. The group initiates community-oriented projects in Cincinnati’s alleyways and city steps, as well as its most neglected sidewalks.
  springinoursteps.wordpress.com
Fort Collins
- Fort Collins Downtown Alley Enhancement Project
  Master Plan and Pilot Project to redesign three downtown alleys in Fort Collins.
  DowntownFortCollins.org
Oklahoma City
- Plaza Walls
- Plaza Walls Mural Expo showcases Oklahoma Mural Syndicate’s mission to promote public street art
  newsok.com