Skate Culture Expo January 11th to February 18th, 2024 Kunst is Leuk, Citadel 22, Almere Centrum

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of skate culture at our upcoming exhibition! From January 11th to February 18th, 2024, the Skate Culture Expo will take place at Kunst is Leuk, Citadel 22, Almere Centrum. Embraced as an experimental and distinctive space, it plays a pivotal role in Almere’s cultural landscape, offering a platform for emerging artists while weaving a tapestry of creativity and community engagement.

At K=L, our mission is to introduce the innovative visual arts of Almere’s new creators to a wide audience and foster sustainable connections among them. Through exhibitions and potential complementary programming, we aim to encourage public participation and co-creation, transforming our space into an informal haven where various subgroups feel at home. We carve out opportunities for unconventional artists and creators outside the regular programming.

OUR APPROACH & IMPACT We, at K=L, constantly align ourselves with the needs of Almere. Collaborating closely with the city, we shape our programming by identifying trends, leveraging our network, and engaging the community. The Skate Culture Expo is no exception. Skater David van Vliet approached K=L with a compelling concept, which we’ve embraced wholeheartedly.

Methodology:

1. Exploration: Expanding our network to discover emerging talent and creative youth.
2. Research: Collaborating with young individuals to explore their needs and preferences, forming the foundation of our plan.
3. Based on themes, motivation, current relevance, production processes, and requirements, we conceptualize the programming.
4. Empowering young individuals to shape the programming within predefined guidelines.
5. Development of an action plan.
6. Collaborating with youths, new artists, and our communication team to strategize and execute communication strategies for the programming.

WHO WE ARE (K=L) Since our inception, K=L has been the heart of encounters, art, culture, and collaborations in Almere. Situated in the city center, with the disappearance of many creative hubs, our existence becomes increasingly crucial. By nurturing art and culture, we enrich the city’s livability, diversity, and allure. K=L holds a firm position within the city, fost****g creativity and community.

WHAT TO EXPECT The Skate Culture Expo is more than an exhibition; it’s a journey into the essence of skateboarding culture. Expect captivating exhibitions, film screenings, curated music, covered skateboarding Saturdays, and additional complementary events.

WHY IT MATTERS This expo serves dual purposes: introducing Almere’s skate culture to its residents and highlighting the importance of supporting this culture for larger organizations like the Municipality of Almere.

KEY COMPONENTS & HOW Workshops: In the lead-up to the expo, David van der Vliet will conduct 2-4 workshops. These sessions focus on engaging young adults keen on expressing and refining their creativity under professional guidance. Participants will design skateboard decks, showcased during the exhibition.

Photography: Guyon Kanders, deeply entrenched in skate culture, captures its essence like no other. His lens portrays the multifaceted skate culture, while SkeetAlmere’s portraits spotlight the new generation of skaters, emphasizing the significance of nurturing this culture.

Skateboard Designs: Various artists, including Ik zie Zombies, Chaeli Ashlyn, Martin-Jan de Groot, Douglas, and Plankseedorf, contribute deck designs. Additionally, the workshop outcomes will be on display, fost****g a sense of community involvement.

Join us in creating this expo with fellow Almere residents, fost****g a widespread embrace. This not only ensures a significant turnout but also establishes long-term support in the city.

Goals:

1. Showcasing skate culture to a broad audience.
2. Uniting and strengthening communities.
3. Garnering support from major organizations (such as the Municipality of Almere).

Skate Obstacles: Skateboarder and craftsman Henk Toetenel will craft 2-3 skate obstacles for the exhibition. These eye-catching structures will be intensively used by skaters every Saturday, adding vibrancy to the space.

Additional Programming:

• City Sounds: Monthly events in collaboration with Poppodium de Meester, aligning city sounds with the expo’s theme.
• Skate Saturdays: Utilizing outdoor space as a covered skate park, emphasizing the need for such facilities beyond skateboarding.
• Film Screenings: Showcasing skate culture through short films by local filmmakers.
• Auction: Concluding the expo with an auction to raise funds for a future indoor skatepark.

LONG-TERM VISION The Skate Culture Expo bridges the gap between skate culture and the broader public, advocating for a permanent indoor skate spot. Our aim is to inspire and connect individuals and communities, working together toward establishing an indoor skatepark in Almere.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Target Audience: Skaters and youths interested in delving into skateboard culture. Through creative workshops and the expo, attendees can engage firsthand with skateboarding culture.

Outreach: Utilizing guerrilla flyers, social media, posters, and workshop sessions.

Expected Attendance: 350 expo visitors, 300 attending additional events, and 20 workshop participants, totaling 820 individuals.

PUBLIC HEALTH ALIGNMENT The Skate Culture Expo intersects with various aspects of the public health agreement:

• Providing healthy options: Understanding and meeting the needs of skate communities, offering shelter during inclement weather, preventing disruption in public spaces, and potential fines for skaters.
• Mental well-being: Creating a winter shelter fosters a sense of belonging, reducing isolation among young individuals.
• Physical well-being: Providing a space for physical activity and sports.

Join us at the Skate Culture Expo, a celebration of creativity, community, and the vibrant spirit of skate culture in Almere!