Exploring the Transformative Power of Art – In Conversation with Charles-Antoine Bodson

Propelled by a chance encounter, Charles-Antoine Bodson founded THE SKATEROOM in 2014 with a vision to construct a business model that would instigate social transformations.

Employing the capacities of art to induce change, THE SKATEROOM emerged as a unique blend of skateboards and artwork that harnesses the possibilities of the market. The revolutionary initiative comprises collaborations with leading artists and estates to produce exclusive editions of skateboard art decks. Each skateboard art deck is linked to a specific project, with at least 10% of the revenue diverted to transformational incentives around the globe. Today, THE SKATEROOM proudly stands behind forty social projects focused on energizing at-risk communities spanning from Ecuador to Jordan and further.

The projects primarily focus on bringing the joy of skateboarding through building skateparks and organizing workshops and educational programs but also include supporting essential missions, such as The International Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Featuring modern masters like Van Gogh and Edward Hopper and leading contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons and Ai Weiwei, THE SKATEROOM’s skateboard art decks span over 200 editions. Most recently, THE SKATEROOM partnered with the Fondation Beyeler to present a new special edition of skateboard art decks featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Modena paintings, aligning with the exhibition where they will be displayed jointly for the first time.

We talked with Charles-Antoine Bodson, the mind behind THE SKATEROOM, about the role of art and its transformative power. In an exclusive Widewalls interview, Bodson reflected on the origins of the initiative, highlighted the importance of provoking new ways of operating, guided us through the process, and hinted at future endeavors.