Skateboarding for a Cause

The Skateroom fuses the energy of the contemporary art world with the dynamism of skate culture and invites artists to create limited edition artworks on skateboards. The proceeds of the initiative go towards supporting non-profit projects around the world to empower, educate and entertain children through skateboarding and art.

This Christmas, The Skateroom’s creatives have unveiled gifts for art lovers, a selection of limited edition works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol or Ai WeiWei. Ranging from entry-level prices at just €160, to hand signed collectors’ items and exclusive collaborations at €4,850, there’s a deck for every art aficionado.

 

Andy Warhol's Gold Marilyn $2,000
Andy Warhol’s Gold Marilyn: $2,000
Ai WeiWei's Crabs: $300
Ai WeiWei’s Crabs: $300
Paul McCarthy's Doll: $350
Paul McCarthy’s Doll: $350

The Skateroom is an active and expanding social entrepreneurship whose main purpose is to help affect change, and, one such NGO is Skateistan.

Skateistan believes that the community-building effects of skateboarding are especially powerful in Afghanistan, which has experienced over 30 years of ongoing conflict and social dislocation. Operating as an Afghan NGO, Skateistan builds trust among youth and develops their confidence, leadership, and life skills.

Just one year ago, Skateistan launched a new initiative, Citizens of SkateistanThe international community of supporters, skaters, students and staff, united together to support skateboarding and education around the world. CoS is a platform designed for a growing global community, the stories of staff and students from the lands of skate in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa. Many of the staff members started as students, and have gone through Skateistan’s programs or have become Youth Leaders and are now Educators, who the new students look up to.

Wendy, educator, Skateistan South Africa: "I am originally from Zimbabwe. Growing up I lived with both my parents and 3 siblings in Johannesburg. I first heard about Skateistan from my school hockey coach who knew about it. Everything about Skateistan seemed interesting and intriguing so I joined the organisation to be part of the fun and to learn more. I started as a Youth Leader but now I am an Educator, so I help with skateboarding and other activities." Read her story here
Wendy, educator, Skateistan South Africa:
“I am originally from Zimbabwe. Growing up I lived with both my parents and 3 siblings in Johannesburg. I first heard about Skateistan from my school hockey coach who knew about it. Everything about Skateistan seemed interesting and intriguing so I joined the organisation to be part of the fun and to learn more. I started as a Youth Leader but now I am an Educator, so I help with skateboarding and other activities.” Read her story here.

 

Farzad, Educator, Skateistan Afghanistan: "My name is Farzad I am 16 years old. When I was about four years old I was kidnapped from my house and brought to the city. After several months, I was found and taken to a group home. When I was 13, my uncle saw me on a TV program about children estranged from their families. He came to the group home to take me back, but l did not go with him because I didn’t know him. Skateistan brought many changes to my life." Read his story here
Farzad, Educator, Skateistan Afghanistan:
“My name is Farzad I am 16 years old. When I was about four years old I was kidnapped from my house and brought to the city. After several months, I was found and taken to a group home. When I was 13, my uncle saw me on a TV program about children estranged from their families. He came to the group home to take me back, but l did not go with him because I didn’t know him. Skateistan brought many changes to my life.” Read his story here.

Around 1600 youths go to Skateistan each week, here are the stories of the Educators and Citizens of Skateistan.


Edited by Demi Vitkute

Daisy Sells

Contributor

Daisy began her career as a travel PR representing numerous international Tourist Boards and luxury, lifestyle, and charity projects. Her passion and tenacity teamed with 8 years of experience has taught her to be a strong champion of both PR and journalism whilst appreciating and respecting the nuances of both. She is passionate about exploring and questioning the world around her and draws inspiration from all walks of life, unfazed by eccentricity, pop culture, politics or social and global issues. Daisy is somewhat unconventional, occasionally controversial, doggedly determined and infuriatingly curious.

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