SHAPE In Motion: Art Benefit
SHAPE In Motion: Art Benefit is an evening showcase at the Embassy of France celebrating African art, contemporary streetwear, and global skate culture. Organized by the SHAPE Skate Foundation, the benefit supports youth development and mentorship across Africa, with silent-auction proceeds helping young African skateboarders attend the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
The program brings together diplomats, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and creative leaders for art and fashion experiences, a keynote address, live music, refreshments, and networking. Highlights include works by more than 20 artists, an auction featuring art from Senegal and an original piece donated by Victor Ekpuk, and a short runway presentation by Howard University students in West African-inspired streetwear.
When: Friday, October 2, 2026
Showtimes: The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and close promptly at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Early Bird admission is $15; general admission is $25.
Keynote: Ambassador Rama Yade, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council Africa Center and former French Minister of Sports and Ambassador to UNESCO, will speak about sports diplomacy, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange in Africa ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Art and Fashion: The curated market features original work by more than 20 artists from the Washington, D.C., region and around the world. A silent auction will offer fine-art pieces, including works sent from Senegal and an original work donated by Victor Ekpuk.
Fashion Show: Howard University students will present a five- to 10-minute guerrilla-style runway show featuring contemporary streetwear made with West African fabrics.
Entertainment: The evening includes visiting Zambian professional skateboarder Mukuka Chande, live DJ sets, light food, refreshments, and networking with DMV community leaders and creative entrepreneurs.
Beneficiary: Silent-auction proceeds support the SHAPE Skate Foundation’s youth mentorship and exposure program, which aims to send young skateboarders from across Africa to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Organizer: SHAPE Skate Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Venue: La Maison Française, Embassy of France in the United States, 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Entry requirements: Every attendee must have a reservation in their own name, a government-issued photo ID, and an Eventbrite ticket either printed or displayed on a phone. The name on the ticket must match the name on the identification. No one will be admitted without both a reservation and official ID.
Security: All guests must pass through Embassy security screening. Umbrellas, large bags, backpacks, animals, liquids, food, blunt objects, helmets, and other items considered dangerous are prohibited and may be confiscated. Guests should allow extra time for screening and arrive before the 7:30 p.m. door closure.
Parking: There is no on-site parking. Metered parking is available on Reservoir Road for $2.30 per hour, with a four-hour maximum until 10:00 p.m. Garage parking is available at Georgetown MedStar Health through Entrance 2 at 2800 Reservoir Road NW, costing approximately $25 for up to three hours.
Photography: By registering, attendees consent to being photographed or recorded and authorize the organizers to use their image and likeness for promotional and archival purposes.