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.
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 Skateistan. The 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.
“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.
“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
