Skaters for a Cause

What do you get when you combine art, skateboarding and a good cause? A truly awesome activity :) It is said that "individuality and a self-expressed casual style have always been cultural values for skateboarders". This sense of individuality is best reflected in the unique artwork located at the bottom of skateboard decks.

Today, fine art collectors have taken notice of this art + skateboard subculture and some of these artist designed skateboard decks have become collectibles and are hung on the walls of upscale art galleries. The Skateroom, a social enterprise has taken this interest in skateboard art to the next level by linking its commercial proceeds to a social cause. A proportion of the money they make from selling artist designed skateboard decks go to projects that empower at-risk youth/children around the world. Isn't this awesome?

This creative printable art project is a way to show children how art and a really cool subculture can create meaningful change in society. Let's get busy!

Printable & Activity Objectives

In this activity, your child will learn about creating impact for a good cause using art and a popular subculture. They will identify a good cause of their choice and design a skateboard deck on a printable to represent that cause.

It will help your child or student:

• Develop a greater sense of responsibility to others. It's never too early to teach kids about empathy and charity. It will help them develop a healthy sense of compassion for others and a strong charitable disposition.
• Draw linkages between art and its ability to bring people together to do good.
• Develop artistic and design skills through the creation of their own style of artwork on the printable skateboard deck.

Let's make some deck art!

Classroom Resources

Simple steps to start:

• Research and find out more about the history of skateboarding. Here's a video about how skateboards were invented:

Here's a very interesting video about the a skateboard collector and his amazing collection of skateboards from the past. One thing to note is the D.I.Y. art on the back of some of the boards:

• If you have some time, watch a video about how skateboards are painted by artists. Here's a detailed (but fairly long) step by step video showing how a skateboard was painted from start to end:

• Research and find a good cause or charitable organisation to inspire your art work. Here's a good list to start from:

The 50 Best Charities to Give to Right Now

Here’s how to make sure the max amount of your donation goes toward making an impact.

Good HousekeepingJessica Migala

• Start working on the printable worksheets!

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What's in the Printable Worksheet Pack

This printable pack consists of 2 printable activity worksheets. One worksheet is to gather and journal information about the charitable or good cause your child has selected. The second worksheet is a skateboard deck design sheet.

Click on the download link below to get started. Please note that this printable pack is only for paid members.