French artist and skater Lucas Beaufort got tired of art that is out of reach of the majority of people who love it, so he launched the LB Project to make work from some of the most awesome skate artists available to anyone who takes part. In the process, the year long project aims to bring together skaters from all over Europe with shows of the art produced in Berlin, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam and London. The project will also raise money for NGO Skateistan who use skateboarding as a tool to empower young people in Cambodia and Afghanistan.
Why did you feel it was necessary to try and unite the european skating community?
I truly believe that we are stronger together. I love to share stuff with friends, it’s my philosophy. Things are boring when you don’t have anyone to share a piece of bread. I wanted to prove to everyone that it was possible to bring people together, especially today.
Why did you think art would be the tool to do this ?
First of all I love art, it’s part of my life. I can’t see myself without painting. I went to a lot of art shows and I’m fed up with the fact that people can see art but they can’t touch it. People become frustrated because they can’t afford it, especially kids. I wanted to give people a chance to get something that they couldn’t pay for themselves. No matter where you come from, you all are welcome. All users will have the opportunity to register for free on the LB project website to get a chance to win 27 of the 54 unique skateboards.
Who else is involved and what do they do? What made you want to collaborate with the artists you chose to work on the project with you?
So many people are involved. First of all I would like to introduce the artists, without whom nothing would be possible: Michael Sieben, Todd Bratrud, Mark Foster, Jeremy Fish, Mike Kershnar, BB Bastidas, Chad Eaton, Jeremyville, Kid Creature, Funeral French. They have all worked with skateboard brands or are skateboarders themselves.
How will the shows in each city work?
This project is divided into six art shows : Bright, Berlin 8-10 July 2014; Street Machine, Copenhagen 13 – 27 September 2014; FTC, Barcelona 22 November – 6 December; Vega, Paris 13 – 25 January 2015; Ben G, Amsterdam 14 – 28 March 2015; Parlour, London from 23 May – 6 June 2015. The artists present in London will be Mark Foster and Kid Creature.
What have been the challenges in bringing the project to life?
I have to admit that it wasn’t easy to coordinate everyone. I’m happy that all the people involved were proud to support Skateistan. Indeed, this project is an opportunity to put a spotlight on the NGO. We want to give them visibility and support their fight in Afghanistan and Cambodia.
How do you hope the project will have an impact?
That’s a big question. I would like to spread the project everywhere, especially in those countries where we don’t usually go on holiday. I already have a lot of support from different media such as A propos, Sidewalk, Bitchslap, Flatspot, Dogway, Place and you guys at Huck. It means a lot to me.
How can people get involved/show support?
Everyone who takes part will have the opportunity to register for free on the website to get a chance to win 27 from the 54 unique skateboards. Drawing of the lots will take place at the end of the project in June 2015 and the remaing skateboards will be donated to Skateistan. You can follow our Facebook page and our Instagram.
What’s the future for the LB project?
I have in mind to develop this concept in the US at the end of 2015 and in Japan at the end of 2016. Let’s cross our fingers.
Find out more about the LB Project and make sure you subscribe to be in with a chance of winning some rad skate art.
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