The Skateroom: art on skate decks

Skateboard and art for a noble reason.

The Skateroom is a social and conscientious enterprise based in Brussels, founded by former art dealer and collector of skateboards Charles-Antoine Bodson: contemporary artists are called to collaborate on limited edition skate decks, that become real pieces of art. The aim is to take art outside of the walls of museums and galleries and bring it to the streets and your homes. From Paul McCarthy and Ai Weiwei to Chéri Samba and Andy Warhol, the work of these artists covers iconic skate boards. The decks are manufactured in Canadian maple wood, with a particular attention for sustainability and environment.

Moreover, The Skateroom supports NGO’s such as Skateistan amongst others. This award winning NGO created a program helping disadvantaged youth in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa. The idea came when Charles-Antoine met Australian skateboarder and founder of Skateistan: Oliver Percovich. Charles-Antoine was so impressed by the work of the foundation that he decided to sell part of his skateboard collection to finance the organization. Then, he went one step further and started producing skateboards in collaboration with established artists to continue supporting Skateistan. To this day, up to 20% of The Skateroom's turnover is donated to NGO's in order to empower youth through art, education and skaterboarding with a particular focus on girls, children from low-income background, disabled children and migrants.

For example, their 2015 collaboration with the American artist Paul McCarthy raised more than $200k, which funded the building of the skate park and the education centre in Johannesburg. At the inauguration, children had the chance to skate with the legend Tony Hawk and Oliver Percovich themselves.

The Skateroom's most iconic creations channeled Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans and Jean-Michel Basquiat's colorful paintings.
You'll have a chance to admire The Skateroom's decks during the upcoming White Street Market, next January 12-13-14.