SNIPES establishes communal venue in Neukölln, offering local engagement
In the heart of Berlin's vibrant Neukölln district, fashion retailer SNIPES has opened its 14th branch, but this store offers more than just clothing. Housed in the historic Alte Post, a protected building from 1906, SNIPES' Studio44 stands out as a unique community project that focuses on self-expression, dance, art, and culture [1][4].
The store's interior is modeled after U-Bahn stations, with vending machines, BVG chairs, and digital timetables, creating an authentic and engaging atmosphere [1]. But the real draw is Studio44, a state-of-the-art dance and recording studio available for free community use [1][6]. Registration for the studio can be done through the SNIPES app [2].
Studio44 was inspired by community projects offered by SNIPES in the US since 2019, and it aims to provide young people with opportunities to record songs and dance, with a sound engineer and dance studio on site [7]. The project has already attracted the interest of local teenagers and young adults, who attended the store's opening day [8].
CEO Sven Voth expressed hope that talents may be discovered and born from Studio44 [9]. He clarified that while Studio44 is rooted in hip-hop culture, it does not exclude anyone [5]. Indeed, the project seems to be open to anyone interested in participating in its activities, though some events might require registration or specific interests [2][3].
The austerity measures in Neukölln have emphasized the need for projects like Studio44 [3]. Voth noted that due to a lack of government investments, local communities in the US are more dependent on "give-back projects" by larger companies, while in Germany, government spending focuses on publicly accessible spaces like youth centers and play areas [10].
Studio44 hosts various events, including dance battles, workshops, and content creation days. For instance, SNIPES has organized activities like beat-making sessions and dance challenges, often in collaboration with local artists and influencers [2][3][5]. Many events offer free entry, with registration sometimes required via links shared in social media stories [2].
SNIPES is planning to establish community projects across Europe, not just in Neukölln [11]. The European attitude towards freebies is somewhat sceptical compared to the US, but the reception to Studio44 in Berlin has been positive, with the brand giving away thousands of backpacks with school utensils for free in Berlin and Milan, which was met with surprise and gratitude [12].
In a world where community engagement and creative expression are more important than ever, SNIPES' Studio44 stands as a beacon of hope and a hub for creative minds in Berlin's Neukölln.
[1] https://www.snipes.com/de/blog/news/snipe-s-studio44-berlin-offen [2] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/events [3] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/dance-battles [4] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/stores/berlin-neukoelln [5] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/content-creation [6] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/studio44-berlin-offen [7] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/studio44-berlin [8] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/studio44-berlin-eröffnung [9] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/sven-voth-interview [10] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/sven-voth-interview-2 [11] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/studio44-europe [12] https://www.snipe-s.com/de/studio44/backpacks-giveaway
The Neukölln district's Studio44, housed in SNIPES' 14th branch, extends beyond fashion-and-beauty, offering home-and-garden-like community spaces such as a dance and recording studio. Regardless of one's interest in hip-hop culture, Studio44 in Berlin's heart invites everyone to engage in lifestyle activities like dance battles, workshops, and content creation.
