Exploring Clothing's Role in Skate Culture Vibe
Intro
Skate culture isn’t just about riding boards and hitting ramps; it is a lifestyle interwoven with a unique vibe shaped significantly by what skaters wear. When you step into a skatepark, the variety of styles and colors serve a dual purpose—functionality and expression. Every piece of clothing tells a story, reflecting personal identity, community beliefs, and even historical transitions in skateboarding.
From the baggy pants of the '90s to the slim-fit tees that are popular today, each shift in clothing trends has left an indelible mark on the culture. Skaters often see their outfits as extensions of themselves, which creates an intricate relationship between clothing and vibe. This conversation dives deep into how sartorial choices influence and shape not just the individual skater, but also the broader community. It explores how styles evolve, the role of brands, and the impact of social media, focusing on how the fabric worn on board can convey much more than mere layering against the elements.
As we peel back the layers of this vibrant scene, expect to uncover insights into skateboarding's past and present, reflecting how ideals around authenticity and creativity manifest in what’s worn. This exploration will not only build a picture of fashion’s place in skate culture but will also illustrate how significant clothing is to the collective vibe of skaters.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, the clothing you choose plays a vital role in your skateboarding experience and interconnectedness with the community. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and explore!
Skateboarding News Updates
Today’s skateboarding world is abuzz with endless updates that resonate deeply within the community, shaping trends and influences. From groundbreaking competitions to fresh gear drops, each piece of news impacts the skater’s vibe. Let’s break it down:
Skate Competitions Recap
Competitions provide high-octane energy and showcase talents, fueling the skate culture vibe. Recent events like the Street League Skateboarding and X Games continue to set trends for clothing styles among participants and fans alike. Styles seen during these competitions often filter down to everyday skaters, influencing choices from hoodies to skate shoes, ultimately reflecting the evolution of functional aesthetics.
New Product Launches
New clothing lines and collaborations run rampant in the skate industry. Brands like Supreme have consistently pushed their offerings to new heights, entwining skate culture with street fashion. In recent months, we’ve seen launches from Nike SB and Vans introducing limited edition collections that capture the essence of skate style. Each drop isn't just clothing—it's a bridge between culture and commerce. The buzz surrounding these launches often comes with a wave of social media activity, further blending influence between the brands and the skaters.
Skateboarding Events Coverage
Various skateboarding events remain pivotal in gathering communities and highlighting local talent. These events, whether large-scale competitions or small local jams, offer a granular look at how clothing varies regionally. What’s worn in one skatepark may not be spotted in another. Skaters showcase their unique styles derived from personal experiences, geographical influences, and skate icons—truly reflecting a kaleidoscope of self-expression.
"Fashion in skate culture is not just a trend, it’s a statement of who you are on and off the board."
With these updates, it’s clear how deeply woven clothing is into the fabric of skate culture. The next section will take a look at how these updates interlace with the clothing trends skaters embrace daily.
Skateboarding Culture and Lifestyle
As skate culture continues to thrive, it draws in influencers and reviews that further shape its aesthetics. Partnering clothing with lifestyle choices enhances the overall vibe in ways that merit exploration. From influencers carving their niche to localized skatepark vibes, let’s take a closer look.
Skateboarding Influencer Spotlights
Influencers play a significant role in molding trends. They set examples of style and attitude that newcomers may emulate. Notably, figures such as Nyjah Huston or Lizzie Armanto influence the younger generations with their fashion sense, merging contemporary styles with classic skate aesthetics. Their clothing choices often emphasize comfort and functionality while making bold statements reflecting their personalities.
Skatepark Reviews
Visiting different skateparks can provide insights into how clothing varies based on local vibe and climate. Parks in California might showcase tank tops and shorts, while those in cooler climates may favor layered loungewear. Interviews with locals further reveal the stories entwined with their style, leading to a better understanding of the community fabric.
Skateboarding Fashion Trends
Fashion trends are in constant flux within skateboarding. What was once regarded as the typical baggy tee is now merging with tailored looks and vibrant graphic prints. Each era brings shifts that reflect broader cultural movements as skaters embrace DIY aesthetics and challenge norms. The adaptability and creativity in fashion often mirror the fluid nature of skateboarding itself.
By understanding the interplay of skate culture and lifestyle choices, it becomes evident that clothing serves as more than just fabric. It's an essential language that speaks of identity, community, and expression. The article will now delve further into practical components—gear reviews and recommendations—necessary for cultivating your unique skate vibe.
Understanding 'Vibe' in Skateboarding
Skateboarding is not just an activity; it's an entire culture wrapped around a distinctive vibe that speaks volumes about identity, community, and expression. Vibe in this context refers to the intangible aura that surrounds skate culture, a kind of energy that can be felt in skate parks, streets, and any place where skaters gather. It’s like the heartbeat of the skateboarding world, brewed from a mix of individual style, shared values, and the constant pursuit of freedom. Understanding this vibe is paramount for anyone wanting to dig deeper into what makes skate culture tick and how it shapes the way skaters view themselves and others.
At its core, the vibe defines a skater's lifestyle. It influences not just the tricks they perform but also the clothing they wear. A particular vibe can evoke feelings of rebellion, creativity, or community, and this is where clothing becomes a critical player. When skaters choose their outfits—be it a baggy T-shirt from their favorite brand or old-school Vans—they aren't merely considering comfort or style; they are making a statement about who they are and what they represent.
Here are a few key reasons why understanding vibe in skateboarding is vital:
- Cultural Connection: Vibe is deeply intertwined with the history and evolution of skateboarding. It connects the modern skater to the pioneers of the sport.
- Identity Formation: The vibe helps skaters carve out their identity within a larger community. They define themselves through their choices in both skate performance and apparel.
- Community Dynamics: The vibe fosters connections. When skaters converge in space, their shared vibe opens doors for conversations and friendships.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the nuances of vibe as we explore how it has been shaped over the years and how clothing dovetails perfectly with this vibrant culture.
Defining Vibe
Vibe can be tricky to define—it often eludes direct explanation, yet you know it when you feel it. It encapsulates moods, attitudes, and the prevailing culture within a community, resonating differently based on the experiences of individuals. In skateboarding, vibe hints at more than just a casual style or the music of choice; it speaks to an entire set of values and experiences that a skater embraces. Essentially, it’s about feeling free, innovative, and sometimes a bit rebellious. The vibe also varies from one skate scene to another. For instance, skaters in a bustling city may embody a contrast to those in a quiet, suburban area, each radiating its unique characteristics.
Historical Context of Vibe in Skate Culture
The roots of vibe in skate culture stretch way back to the 1970s, when skateboarding began carving out its niche distinct from surfing. Initially hot on the heels of surf culture, early skateboarders sought to replicate the adrenaline of riding waves on asphalt. The vibe was heavily influenced by beach culture, where loose clothing and carefree attitudes reigned supreme.
As we moved into the 1980s and ‘90s, skate culture experienced a significant shift. From the rise of street skating to the emergence of skate videos, a distinctive style emerged. Skaters started expressing themselves through not only their tricks but also their fashion choices. The punk rock and hip-hop influences began to seep into skate clothing—think oversized hoodies and baggy pants, which epitomized the edgy vibe skaters wanted to project.
The adoption of popular music—whether punk bands spewing out rebellious lyrics or hip-hop artists celebrating individual expression—further influenced the vibe. It became a crucial part of how skaters identified themselves, separating the ‘true skaters’ from the rest. Skateboarding adopted swagger, pride, and a touch of defiance, facilitated by its distinctive aesthetic.
Through the years, skateboarding has adapted, merged, and evolved. However, the core vibe, rooted in freedom and rebellion, continues to emanate, bridging the gap between different generations of skaters.
The Role of Clothing in Defining Vibes
Clothing in skate culture is not merely threads stitched together; it embodies a particular vibe that resonates through the skateboarding community. Skatewear transcends just being functional gear; it acts as a canvas for self-expression. This section delves into how the attire of skaters reflects their identity, their values, and the collective spirit of skate culture.
Symbolism of Skate Fashion
Skate fashion carries a symbolic weight that often goes unnoticed by those outside the community. For many skaters, the clothes they wear symbolize rebellion against mainstream fashion norms. Traditional clothing is often perceived as restrictive, but skatewear embraces comfort and freedom of movement. Think about baggy pants that allow for flexibility during tricks or oversized tees that hang loosely, representing an anti-establishment sentiment.
Wearing a graphic tee featuring a favorite skate brand or a vintage logo can evoke nostalgic feelings and connect the wearer with the roots of their passion. Brands like Element, Thrasher, or Vans have become iconic, not just because of their products, but through the stories they tell and the culture they represent.
Aside from aesthetics, skate fashion sometimes serves as a badge of honor or affiliation. Streetwear collaborations, for example, often highlight a skater's connection to a specific brand or a shared subculture, giving further layers to their identity. Wearing these items can send a message, reflecting one's involvement in the skate scene or a particular subgenre within it.
The Relationship Between Style and Identity
The conversation surrounding skate culture would be incomplete without discussing how deeply intertwined style is with identity. For many, identity is forged by what they wear. This goes beyond mere superficiality; it speaks to belonging, acceptance, and individual narratives.
A skater's choice of clothing can signal their experience level, preferred skating style, and even their social circle. Beginners might gravitate toward well-known brands because they come with an implied credibility. In contrast, seasoned skaters often find ways to mix and match styles, expressing their individuality while nodding to skate history.
Moreover, the inclusivity of skate culture adds an extra layer to the relationship between style and identity. From oversized tees to customized skate shoes, different body types and personal tastes meet in a vibrant tapestry of fashion. This conversation on individual style also includes gender identity. Female skaters, for instance, have shifted the narrative, often challenging existing norms around femininity in skateboarding. Wearing what feels right empowers them.
The act of skating itself can also shape one's style as tricks and preferences evolve over time. As skaters push their skills, their clothing often reflects that journey, transforming into a scrapbook of their skating life. Whether rocking the bruises and scrapes from a recent fall or wearing a tee gifted by a fellow skater, every item has a story.
"Your vibe attracts your tribe", and in skate culture, clothing serves as the signal for connecting with like-minded individuals.
Evolution of Skate Apparel
The evolution of skate apparel is more than just a timeline of clothing changes. It's a narrative woven through the fabric of skate culture itself. From the modest beginnings of denim and t-shirts to the vibrant streetwear influences we see today, the journey of skate fashion reflects broader social shifts and the skaters' quest for identity and expression. This section will highlight how various styles emerged, what factors drove these changes, and why it matters to both the culture and individual skaters.
Pioneering Styles in Early Skate Culture
In the early days of skateboarding, the choices of what to wear were driven more by necessity than by fashion. Skateboards were often hand-crafted or homemade, and skateboarders typically wore what they had on hand. Jeans, tank tops, and sneakers formed the core of skate attire, built for functionality. A vivid example of this era includes the classic Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, which were a staple since they provided a good grip and flexibility.
It was during the late 1970s and early 1980s that skaters began to carve out a specific identity through their clothing. As skateboarding gained popularity, brands like Santa Cruz and Powell Peralta emerged, offering skate-specific gear that dissolved the lines between sportswear and fashion. The introduction of bright graphics and logos on clothing became symbolic of the surf and skate lifestyle, promoting not just a sport but a vibrant subculture that encouraged individual expression.
"Clothing became an emblem of rebellion against the norm; every thread spoke of freedom and attitude."
Influence of Streetwear on Skate Fashion
As skate culture progressed into the 1990s, it intersected with the burgeoning streetwear scene. Street fashion, heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, introduced bold aesthetics, oversized fits, and a generally more relaxed vibe. Brands like Stüssy and Supreme started surfacing, merging hip-hop influences with skate culture, creating a melting pot of styles. The rise of graphic tees and snapback caps became noticeable, making it acceptable to sport something that was just as much about personal branding as it was about comfort.
Skaters often wore clothing that exhibited their favorite brands or featured statements reflecting their personalities or ideals, adding a layer of social commentary to their garments. This trend led to the idea of skateboarding not just as a sport but as a lifestyle and form of artistry. The visuals were screaming, "I skate; this is me!"
Contemporary Trends in Skatewear
Now, skate apparel has evolved into a multifaceted industry. You see a mix of luxury and accessibility. Brands like Off-White are collaborating with skate labels, creating upscale versions of classic skate garments. Now, it’s common to find functional skatewear made with advanced fabrics designed to withstand the rigors of skateboarding while providing comfort and breathability as well.
Current trends often reflect a push for sustainability, with many companies choosing eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes. This is significant in today's climate when attention to environmental impact is at an all-time high. In addition, the rise of gender-neutral clothing lines has disrupted traditional notions of what skaters should wear, leading to a more inclusive range of styles available for all skaters, regardless of their identity.
To sum up, the evolution of skate apparel illustrates a powerful journey of self-expression and community-building. Every style, brand, and garment tells a part of the overall story that is skate culture, enhancing the vibe skaters share. As skaters continue to redefine their identities through what they wear, the evolution of their clothing remains pivotal in shaping not only their individual styles but the broader skate culture itself.
Impact of Brand Culture
Skate brands such as Vans, Element, and Anti-Hero have roots deeply entrenched in the skate community. Their product offerings not only aim to be functional for skating but also resonate aesthetically and culturally with the skaters. This contrast between utility and aesthetic is what solidifies their place in skate culture.
- Cultural Symbolism: Each brand carries its own cultural weight, representing certain attitudes or music scenes. For example, brands associated with early punk roots may evoke a sense of rebellion, while others connected to surf culture might emphasize a laid-back, free-spirited vibe.
- Regional Identities: Brands also create regional identities through collaborations and limited editions, often reflecting local styles, artists, or community stories. This helps build a strong connection with skaters, enhancing brand loyalty and authenticity.
Moreover, the importance of brand culture is magnified within the digital realm where skaters can easily align themselves with these brands on platforms such as Instagram or Reddit.
"Skatewear is a reflection of the skater's values, attitudes, and social circles. It’s about finding that unique balance between who they are and how they want to be perceived."
Skate Brands and Their Aesthetic
Skate brands craft their aesthetics with precision, blending function and style to create something unique. This aesthetic often reflects the brand's origins and target demographic, aligning closely with the wider skate community's interests.
The variety of styles ranges widely – from the classic, nostalgic feels of brands like Vans, which harks back to the early days of skateboarding, to the more contemporary and flashy designs of brands like Supreme. The aesthetics also find influence in various subcultures, particularly punk, hip hop, and streetwear. The visual language of these brands is often a mix of bold colors, graphic artwork, and patterns that speak to the culture shared by the skaters.
- Logo Significance: Logos serve as cultural markers, creating a visual identity that helps skaters express themselves. A simple logo can signify affiliation, while unique designs often incorporate artistic influences from local artists or grassroots movements within the skate scene.
- Collage of Styles: The best skate brands will often mix various influences, showcasing a style that represents both past traditions and contemporary vibes, keeping them relevant.
Collaboration Between Brands and Skaters
There’s a unique symbiotic relationship between brands and skaters that often leads to collaborations. These partnerships can significantly influence brand identity and serve to elevate both parties.
- Signature Shoe Lines: Skate brands frequently create signature skate shoes in partnership with professional skaters, showcasing their input in design and performance. This relationship benefits both the brand, which gains credibility, and the skater, who has their style immortalized in a product.
- Artistic Unity: Collaborations often extend beyond just footwear and into clothing, graphics, and even skateboard decks. Projects that merge artistic expertise from skaters or local artists give life to new designs and push the envelope on what skate fashion can achieve.
Such collaborations contribute to the authentic vibe that skaters seek, creating a community that supports creativity and individuality. Skaters trust these brands when they see their peers represented truthfully.
Consumerism vs. Authenticity in Skate Fashion
With the rise of consumerism in skate culture, a tension has developed between brand influence and the desire for authenticity. This conflict raises a critical question: at what point does skate apparel become merely a product rather than an extension of identity?
- Commercialization Consequences: The influx of mainstream brands entering the skate scene often leads to criticism from hardcore skaters who feel that authentic skate culture is being diluted for profit. Names like Nike and Adidas have entered the arena, prompting heated debates about what it means to be a "real" skater.
- The Value of Genuineness: Authenticity is central to maintaining the ethos of skate culture. Many skaters remain loyal to brands that prioritize individuality and nurture the community over purely commercial success. Brands like Baker Skateboards cultivate loyalty by staying grounded in the skate community and representing the true spirit of skating.
This pushback against superficial consumerism has led many to embrace DIY culture and thrift shopping, enhancing the importance of personal style over brand affiliation. Skaters often turn to vintage garments and handmade merchandise to express their uniqueness, emphasizing that the vibe is ultimately about self-expression over branded conformity.
Social Media as a Fashion Influencer
Social media has become a significant force in shaping skate culture, especially when it comes to fashion. In the age of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, skaters are no longer confined to their local parks or communities for inspiration. Worldwide influences are just a tap away, altering perceptions about style and vibrancy. This section delves into how social media has influenced skate fashion, its implications for identity, and what it means for the collective vibe of the community.
The Rise of Influencers in Skate Culture
From humble beginnings, the skateboarding scene now boasts a legion of influencers who wield considerable power over fashion trends. Social media platforms like Instagram allow these individuals to showcase their unique styles, pushing boundaries and promoting a diverse range of aesthetics. The influencers often have their fingers on the pulse, blending traditional skate gear with street styles or high fashion.
- Visibility: Influencers provide visibility for various clothing brands, including small boutiques and established names. They often wear these pieces in their posts, leading to increased interest and sales. For example, when a famous skater wears a graphic tee from an indie brand, it can sell like hotcakes overnight.
- Authenticity: Many skaters see these influencers as relatable figures. They share their lifestyle, struggles, and successes, fostering a sense of community. This relatability creates a bond that traditional advertising cannot replicate. Fans may feel if a celebrated skater wears a pair of sneakers, they’re not just endorsing but genuinely appreciating them.
- Diversity of Representation: Influencers come from different backgrounds and styles. This has enriched skate culture, making it more inclusive. Different voices highlight various perspectives, allowing more individuals to feel included—expressing their vibe through clothing that aligns with their personal taste.
"In the age of social media, everyone can be a trendsetter, even if you’re just a local skater with a penchant for unique threads."
How Platforms Shape Trends
Different social media platforms have unique ways of influencing trends within skate culture. Each platform presents a variety of tools and styles that contribute to how fashion is perceived and adopted within the skateboarding community.
- Instagram: Known for its visual appeal, Instagram allows skaters to share photos and videos showcasing their skills and style. The hashtag culture on this platform facilitates the discovery of new brands and trends. For instance, hashtags like #SkateFashion or #SkaterStyle often trend, leading to increased visibility for the particular garments that are associated with these posts.
- TikTok: The platform has emerged as a hot spot for short, catchy videos that dance between skating, style, and humor. Trends can go viral in a matter of hours, making it a breeding ground for new skate fashion influences. Many users create content showcasing how they style a basic hoodie or thrifted jeans, sometimes encouraging trending music to enhance the vibe.
- YouTube: Skaters with YouTube channels showcase not just skating but also fashion haul videos. Many have specific segments that discuss clothing brands, style guides, and even how-tos on DIY customization. This interaction fosters a deeper connection and allows for detailed explanations of why certain garments are essential in skate culture.
As these platforms continue to evolve, they will likely further shape the landscape of skate culture and its fashion narrative.
Understanding the synergy between social media, influencers, and skate fashion is vital for appreciating how deeply interconnected they are. It's not merely about what one wears while skating; it's about how these choices are influenced, celebrated, and shared within a community that thrives on aesthetic diversity and self-expression.
DIY Culture and Individual Expression
In skate culture, the DIY ethos stands as a cornerstone, emphasizing self-expression and creativity. This culture encourages skaters to craft their own identities and personal narratives through the clothes they wear. Rather than simply succumbing to commercial pressures, skaters often take to their sewing kits or paintbrushes, transforming ordinary apparel into something uniquely theirs. This not only highlights the individual’s personal touch but also builds a sense of community among skaters who share the same values of creativity and authenticity.
DIY culture can also be seen as a rebellion against mainstream fashion and its often homogenized trends. By creating custom pieces, skaters communicate their beliefs and styles in a tangible way that standardized brands cannot replicate. This act of self-creation enhances their personal vibe, making each outfit a reflection of their journey and individuality.
Key benefits of engaging in DIY culture include:
- Cost Efficiency: Often, making or modifying clothing is much more affordable than purchasing high-end items.
- Unique Expression: No two DIY pieces are the same. Each creation tells a story and carries a bit of the maker's spirit.
- Environmental Awareness: By upcycling old clothes, skaters contribute positively to environmental sustainability, a notion that resonates well with many in the community.
DIY culture is an essential element of the skateboarding experience, wherein skaters not only express themselves through their boards but also through their clothes. It creates a tapestry of style that is as diverse and vibrant as the skate parks they frequent.
Embracing Personal Style
For skaters, their style is deeply intertwined with their identity. The freedom to choose how to express oneself through clothing is liberating. Many skaters find that assembling an ensemble is akin to piecing together their personas, merging aesthetics with philosophies rooted in personal life experiences. Whether it’s a thrifted graphic tee showcasing vintage bands or custom-painted sneakers, each piece tells a part of their story.
When skaters embrace their personal style, they often do so by opting for pieces that align with their values or signify experiences. For example, a skater who is passionate about environmental issues might choose to wear sustainably sourced materials. This form of self-representation fosters uniqueness, allowing every rider to stand out from the crowd.
A few common practices that contribute to embracing personal style include:
- Upcycling: Transforming old or unused clothing into something fresh can create stunning results.
- Customization: Adding patches, drawings, or reworking clothing gives life to an item that may otherwise be forgotten.
- Mixing Genres: Combining different styles can surprise and present a rich visual that speaks to diverse influences.
Fashion as a Form of Resistance
Fashion within skate culture is not simply about aesthetics; it can also serve as a powerful form of resistance. Many skaters use their clothing choices to challenge societal norms and the commercialization of skateboarding. In a world where fashion trends are dictated by corporations, skaters resist this mold enthusiastically by sticking to their DIY roots and expressing their dissatisfaction through their wardrobe choices.
Through the act of subverting mainstream fashion, skaters can tell stories of struggle, identity, and authenticity. A simple black hoodie or a well-worn cap might carry meanings of perseverance and authenticity far beyond their utilitarian purposes. This fashion resistance can be viewed in various elements:
- Anti-Corporate Sentiment: Wearing indie brands or homemade items can symbolize a stance against large corporations that exploit the scene.
- Cultural Commentary: Graphics or slogans printed on clothing can call out societal issues or celebrate important movements.
- Reclaiming Space: The clothing choices can also signify an assertion of presence in a world that often sidelines subcultures.
"Fashion is a language that creates space for resistance. By choosing to wear what speaks to our truths, we become part of a larger dialogue against conformity."
Ending: The Convergence of Vibe and Clothing
The intricate relationship between vibe and clothing in skate culture creates a tapestry that reflects individual identities, community values, and the evolution of the sport itself. This article has explored how the attire skaters choose goes beyond mere functionality; it acts as a canvas for self-expression and offers insights into the personalities of those who ride the board.
The importance of understanding this convergence can’t be overstated. Clothing provides a visual shorthand for who you are in the skate community. A person in a baggy pair of Supreme sweatpants and a well-worn pair of Vans communicates a particular aesthetic that resonates with a certain vibe—edgy yet approachable, casual but intentional. The layers in this storytelling are profound, hinting at emotions, experiences, and even socio-political stances, often instantly recognizable to those immersed in skate culture.
From the DIY ethos that sings in the stitched patches of a thrifted jacket to the high-end designer pieces worn by those at the vanguard of trends, each choice not only reflects personal taste but also signifies allegiance to a broader narrative.
Key Elements of this Interplay:
- Identity Formation: Clothing shapes one's identity, offering an avenue to express individuality, rebellion, or community belonging.
- Cultural Commentary: The styles can often provide insight into societal shifts, be it embracing streetwear or pushing back against commercialization.
- Collective Vibe: Each outfit contributes to the collective mood within the skate scene, resonating with a live-and-let-live philosophy that permeates the culture.
These reflections on style and identity highlight not only what it means to "wear the vibe" but also reveal the stories and values that underpin skate culture. The way forward for this culture will likely continue to traverse vast landscapes of originality, borrowing from past influences while forging new connections with contemporary trends.
"Fashion is just another way to express yourself without saying a word. It's a visual narrative that speaks volumes."
Looking ahead, as the digital realm continues to shape skate culture, skaters can expect even more fluidity between vibe and clothing choices. Whether through conscious brand partnerships or grassroots movements that encourage unique expressions, the future of skate fashion appears vibrant and full of possibilities. As new voices join the conversation, the blend of aesthetic preferences will undoubtedly lead to fresh interpretations, illustrating that skate culture, at its core, is about community and creativity.
