Community center opening: SNIPES establishes local hall in Neukölln
SNIPES Opens Community-Focused Cultural Space in Neukölln, Berlin
SNIPES, the popular international retailer known for its roots in hip-hop culture, has expanded its horizons with the opening of Studio44, a community-focused cultural space in Neukölln, Berlin. Located at Karl-Marx-Str. 97-99, this new venture aims to empower local youth and creatives, providing a platform for dance workshops, music production, and other artistic activities.
The brainchild of Sven Voth, CEO of SNIPES, Studio44 is a unique blend of a dance studio and recording studio, designed to foster community engagement and cultural development in the neighbourhood. Voth expressed his vision, stating, "Our aim is to provide access to the Studio44 space for those who share and celebrate SNIPES' culture."
The store, housed in the historic Alte Post, a protected building from 1906, features a state-of-the-art dance and recording studio, available for free use by the local community. The interior boasts an U-Bahn station-inspired design, complete with graffiti art by the Berliner 1UP crew, vending machines, metal chairs from BVG stations, and digital timetables in German, English, Turkish, and Arabic.
Dennis Schroeder, General Manager Europe SNIPES, emphasised the company's commitment to offering a contact point and opportunities to young people in the neighbourhood. He stated that SNIPES does not expect anything in return for the use of Studio44, but hopes that talents may be discovered and born there.
Voth also expressed that communities in the US are more grateful and expectant of free offerings from corporations compared to Europe. However, he remains optimistic about the potential impact of Studio44 in Neukölln, particularly in light of the austerity measures proposed in the area.
SNIPES' foray into community projects is not a new concept; it has been offering similar initiatives in the US since 2019. The opening of the 14th SNIPES branch in Berlin on September 21 marks a significant step forward in the retailer's mission to establish community projects across Europe.
While the exact details and recent impacts of Studio44 are yet to be fully documented, it is clear that this initiative is set to make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of Neukölln. For those interested in using the dance and recording studios, registration is now open via the SNIPES app. If talents are discovered and born at Studio44, it would undoubtedly be the greatest thing for SNIPES.
- Engaging with the vibrant Neukölln community, SNIPES is planning to extend its cultural influence beyond fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden products, as Studio44 offers a platform for dance workshops, music production, and other artistic activities.
- In Neukölln, Berlin, the lifestyle hub Studio44 offers more than just dance and recording studios – it's a place where Sven Voth sees the potential for new fashion and beauty trends to emerge, reflecting the unique culture of the local community.
