Ashtrey Alley and legal graffiti wall

In 2025, City Council approved the naming of the laneway as Ashtrey Alley to recognize:

• The cultural significance of the laneway
• Trey Helten’s contributions to Vancouver’s graffiti and street art community

Alley commemorative signage

City staff worked with local artist Kyle Shipman, a collaborator and friend of Trey, to create commemorative signage for the alley.

The signs recognize Trey’s legacy and the community that continues to bring life to the space.

The legal graffiti wall in Ashtrey Alley provides a designated space for artists to:

• Create work freely
• Build connections
• Contribute to a shared visual culture

The wall at 133 E Pender St began as a City-supported art initiative in 2022, developed in partnership with Trey Helten and the Vancouver Native Housing Society.

Photo by Alison Boulier

What is a legal graffiti area?

Legal graffiti areas are dedicated spaces for street art that support artistic expression and community building.

They give artists opportunities to develop their skills and learn from each other, especially artists who don't have access to traditional exhibition venues.

Each year over the BC Day long weekend, we support a community-hosted graffiti jam in Ashtrey Alley that brings local artists and community members together to paint and collaborate.

Photo by Alison Boulier

Festival history

The event was originally named the Clean Lines Graffiti Jam and has since evolved into a mix of art, music, and community gathering.

Following Trey Helten’s passing in 2024, the event was renamed the Never Grow Up Festival. The name reflects Trey’s personal tag, “Grow Up,” and honours the creative space he helped foster.

The festival continues to support both emerging and established artists in an open, collaborative environment.