We caught up with Mona Shatry and Jasmin Breidenbach to discuss their 'Taste of Community' dinner, hosted during Munich Pride Month at Schwan Locke.
They shared the inspiration behind the event and introduced us to some of the attendees, highlighting their stories within Munich's creative communities.
At Locke, we love opening our spaces to the local community, providing a place for connection and collaboration where people can meet and ignite their imagination. Munich creatives and photographers Mona Shatry and Jasmin Breidenbach hosted 'Taste of Community,' an event celebrating individuality and fostering a sense of togetherness especially within Munich’s BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
The evening featured contributions from several of the city’s most exciting creative minds, including Stefanie Schäfer of The Flowery Studio , Chef Rim Nassef's Moroccan-French cuisine, music by ADA , and photography by Amelie Sachs. Together, all coming together to create this special evening.
What was the inspiration behind the event?
Mona and Jasmin: The inspiration for "Taste of Community" came from our 2023 International Women’s Day exhibition at WunderLocke and your generous offer to host another event. As photographers with diverse backgrounds—Mona from Kenya and Jasmin with Moroccan roots—we aim to bring diversity into our projects. Our goal for this event is to create space for meaningful interactions, emphasizing diversity, authenticity, and sustainability.
Before the event we caught up with Munich based creative Micheal Klinko. Michael has had a varied and dynamic journey. Born and raised in Munich, he found a passion for photography early on. A move to Berlin, saw Micheal immersed in fashion retail and photography, eventually landing a role at Zalando before returning to Munich. Michael finds fulfillment in collaboration, such as with Mona on successful campaigns. Outside of work, he enjoys nature, hiking, cycling, and advocating for sustainable fashion choices through his love for second-hand clothing.
What advice would you give to someone moving to a new city to pursue their creative passions?
Networking is essential. Connect with people already active in the creative scene. Consider internships, attend exhibitions, and visit vernissages. Additionally, explore Facebook groups where creatives collaborate on projects.
Can you share a pivotal moment when you felt you truly found yourself creatively and personally?
I'm not sure if I've truly found myself yet, as life is a continuous journey. It's important to understand what you like and dislike, but the process of collecting beautiful experiences and moments that shape your creative work and personal life is ongoing. Finding oneself feels like an end point, and I'm still evolving.
How has the creative community in Munich, including Mona and Jasmin’s, helped you feel accepted and supported?
I'm grateful to have met Mona through a mutual friend, leading to our first successful project together. Mona has since involved me in some great projects. I met Jasmin during an exhibition with Mona at WunderLocke and felt a warm, friendly welcome. Although we haven't worked together yet, the future holds possibilities. I'm thankful for these two wonderful souls who organized such a fantastic event, giving people the opportunity to meet new creatives and potentially spark magnificent projects.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for your future within the creative community in Munich and beyond?
I hope I will get rich and famous one day. 😉
We also caught up with Sophia O'David, freelance communication designer and illustrator from Munich, of German nationality and Nigerian descent.
“My creative journey began in my childhood and led me to study Communication Design and Fashion Design in Munich. This foundation has allowed me to work as a communication designer across various fields, from logo design and visual identities to editorial design, illustration, and more.
In the past few years, I've also used my communication design skills for cultural projects and activism. This has involved the logo design for the Afrobuzz festival and graphics for anti-racism demonstrations and Projects. Find out more about my work @oh.daviddesign.
Recently, I co-founded Fépar with photographer Priscillia Grubo. It's a familiar and cosy space for people of colour, a platform built by and for people of colour. Find out more @fepar.de.”
Schwan Locke, Theresienwiese
This isn’t your average Munich hotel. As well as having a studio with kitchen and lounge area, you’ll have access to our shared social spaces – from a cosy coworking lounge to our sunny outdoor courtyard.
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Rooms From €199,76 on our
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