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Thanks for Nothing’s Marine Van Schoonbeek on Authentic Community, Creativity, and Solidarity

Marine Van Schoonbeek, General Director and Co-founder of impact organisation and Social Tides alum Thanks for Nothing, sat down with INCO to discuss Thanks for Nothing’s origins, the importance of building authentic relationships and strong communities, and what the future holds for the team.


Two school-aged people stand facing a wall of photographs at an art exhibition.
Visit to the exhibition "american dream, i made it all because of you" by Tomasz Machciński at Christian Berst Art Brut, September 2024. Courtesy of the artist and gallery.

Background and Motivation


INCO: What inspired you to start your entrepreneurial journey?


Marine: Thanks for Nothing is an association we founded in 2017 with four other women, with the goal of bridging the gap between the world of contemporary art, which has been our profession for many years, and social engagement, which was more of a personal part of our lives. Each of us has been involved on a daily basis in organizations focused on welcoming refugees, providing access to education, healthcare, or supporting the environment. Having had the opportunity to hold exciting and influential positions while still young, we were able to develop a substantial network that now helps us combine these two aspects.


Personally, I started my career in the United States at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, then returned to France to finish my studies at Sciences Po and work alongside Laurent Le Bon, first at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and later at the Centre Pompidou Metz for its opening in 2010, which was a wonderful experience. I then became Director of Relations with Collectors and Institutions at FIAC (VIP department) alongside Jennifer Flay, followed by my role as Director of Galerie Chantal Crousel. This entire career now allows me to synthesize all these roles at Thanks for Nothing, where I manage them simultaneously.


Business Genesis and Mission


What is the mission of your company and what impact are you generating?


Seven years ago, our group of women, all professionals in the art world, decided to create a platform that would synthesize our passion for art with the personal social engagement we each carried. Our goal was to create a bridge between the world of art and social action. We realized that our involvement in charitable causes could benefit from the networks and visibility of the art world.


Today, Thanks for Nothing organizes over 10 projects a year and has supported nearly 60 associations. We work with 50 cultural partner institutions and have reached more than 600,000 people through innovative artistic and solidarity projects in three key areas: solidarity and human rights, access to education, and environmental protection.


In the future, Thanks for Nothing will continue to grow and create a more engaged culture through La Collective, a new center for creation and solidarity in the heart of Paris. La Collective will reflect the richness of the collective formed by the cultural and social actors involved in the project: Emmaüs Solidarité, La Loge, and Thanks for Nothing.


Exhibitions, artist residencies, outdoor art tours, conferences, festivals, concerts, performances, co-creation workshops, educational visits... The programming of this future center for creation and solidarity will, in line with its founders' identity, be focused on solidarity, multidisciplinary approaches, and international creation.


At an Exhibition by Sarah Sze at Gagosian, September 2024. Courtesy of the artist and the gallery.

Relationship Building and Market Strategy


How has building genuine relationships with your community contributed to your business growth?


Building authentic relationships with my community has been foundational to the growth of Thanks for Nothing and its impact. From the very beginning, our approach has been to bridge the gap between the cultural world and social engagement. By fostering trust and collaboration with both artists and NGOs, we have created a powerful platform where art and activism intersect, allowing us to mobilize resources and raise awareness around critical issues.


Our close collaboration with artists, institutions, and grassroots organizations ensures that every project we undertake reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. These relationships are based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to creating lasting social impact. This has allowed us to build credibility, attract significant support from cultural institutions like the Louvre and Centre Pompidou, and engage high-profile collectors and patrons. As a result, Thanks for Nothing has been able to scale its operations, raising over €3 million for 60 NGOs and organizing more than 50 projects, with a reach of over 500,000 people.


The strength of these relationships also lies in the constant feedback loop we maintain with our partners and beneficiaries. By engaging directly with communities, we are able to tailor our projects to meet their evolving needs, ensuring that our initiatives remain relevant and impactful. This collaborative model has driven the growth of our organization by positioning us as a trusted partner for both the art world and social impact sectors, while also reinforcing the long-term sustainability of our work.


Adaptation and Innovation


How did you build and adapt the organisation as you grew, and what were the key steps you took?


The growth of Thanks for Nothing has been a continuous evolution, deeply guided by our mission and the feedback from the communities we engage with. Initially, we started as a small team of five volunteer women, each with extensive backgrounds in the international art world. Our early success with the WE DREAM charity auction in 2017, which brought together renowned artists such as Wolfgang Tillmans and Laure Prouvost, raised over €2 million for NGOs focused on refugee rights. This milestone proved the power of art to drive social change.


As the organization grew, we gradually expanded our team. Today, we are a core team of three full-time women employees alongside three freelance collaborators, which has allowed us to scale our operations while remaining agile. This shift from a volunteer-driven team to a more structured workforce has been critical for our sustainability and ability to take on more ambitious projects.


The development of La Collective, set to open in 2028, represents the next major phase of growth for us. This project is not only a cultural center but a unique space where art, solidarity, and ecology meet. To manage this large-scale project, we will need to expand our team to 10 full-time employees at the time of its opening, marking a significant shift in scale for our organization. This growth will allow us to manage a 4,000 sqm space and continue to collaborate with NGOs like Emmaüs, ensuring that La Collective becomes both a hub for artistic creation and a platform for community engagement.


Our ability to adapt has also been tested during moments of crisis. When the original real estate developer for La Collective withdrew, we spent six months negotiating with the City of Paris to keep the project on track. Ultimately, we secured a new promoter, which allowed us to continue moving forward. This experience underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in growing our organization. 


Experience with Social Tides Accelerator Program


How did participating in the Social Tides accelerator program benefit your business?


Participating in the Social Tides accelerator program has been transformative for Thanks for Nothing on multiple levels. 


The grant from INCO allowed us to secure the position of Gaëlle Porte as our Director of Projects, significantly enhancing our team’s capacity to manage our growing initiatives. Additionally, the funding supported the exhibition Resilient Currents, which launched the prefiguration program of La Collective, our future cultural center merging art, solidarity, and ecology. This exhibition was a crucial step in establishing the long-term vision of La Collective, set to open in 2028.

Beyond the financial support, one of the most impactful aspects of the program was the human element. Through Social Tides, we had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of exceptional entrepreneurs from across Europe. Being part of this cohort was incredibly enriching; we were inspired by the shared experiences, challenges, and insights of fellow changemakers who are just as committed to using their ventures for social impact. This community has been invaluable, creating a lasting network of support and collaboration.

The training sessions also provided us with concrete ideas to implement within our organization. The courses gave us tools to refine our management practices, particularly focusing on creating a horizontal structure that fosters collaboration, respect, and adherence to best practices. This approach has helped us not only in maintaining a positive, inclusive working environment but also in ensuring that our organization remains agile and efficient as we scale.

Overall, Social Tides has equipped Thanks for Nothing with the resources, knowledge, and human connections needed to accelerate our growth and deepen our impact.


What specific resources or mentorship from Social Tides did you find most valuable?


The mentorship from the Social Tides accelerator program was instrumental in helping me navigate the diverse and broad responsibilities I handle on a daily basis as the General Director of Thanks for Nothing. In my role, I am involved in everything from coordinating large-scale cultural projects, such as the exhibition Resilient Currents and the development of La Collective, to handling fundraising, managing partnerships with institutions like the Louvre, and overseeing our social impact strategies.


Given the breadth of my responsibilities, the sessions on team management and scaling were crucial. Managing a growing team and ensuring that all aspects of the organization run smoothly requires a high level of organization and efficiency. The program’s guidance on how to structure our operations and delegate effectively has been invaluable, especially as we prepare for the expansion of our team. 


Additionally, the fundraising and sponsorship sessions helped refine our approach to securing funding, enabling me to better allocate my time across various tasks—from meetings with sponsors to coordinating projects—without losing focus on the organization's strategic direction. The advice provided through Social Tides has helped me balance these tasks, ensuring that I remain both organized and effective, despite the wide-ranging nature of my role.

The mentorship also highlighted the importance of self-organization as an entrepreneur. With responsibilities that range from negotiating partnerships to curating exhibitions and managing a team, being well-organized is essential. Social Tides gave me the tools to streamline these processes and make time for strategic growth, ensuring the continued success of Thanks for Nothing.


How have networking opportunities through Social Tides helped you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?


The networking opportunities provided by Social Tides have been invaluable throughout my entrepreneurial journey. One of the greatest benefits has been the ability to maintain regular exchanges with other members of the cohort. These ongoing connections have created a supportive community where we can share experiences, advice, and insights, helping each other navigate the challenges of running socially-driven businesses.


In particular, our continued relationship with the INCO team has been crucial. They not only offer ongoing advice but also send us updates on opportunities to apply for grants and awards that are aligned with our mission. This strong and real connection with INCO has become a key resource, allowing us to feel supported and guided as we move forward.


What makes this network so impactful is the emotional support it offers. As an entrepreneur, the responsibility and stress of leading a project like Thanks for Nothing can sometimes feel overwhelming. One of the key lessons from INCO has been the importance of respecting our own well-being, and the connections we’ve made through the program have allowed us to exchange with people who understand these pressures firsthand. This shared experience creates a powerful emotional support system, giving me the confidence to push through difficult moments knowing I’m not alone.


Having this network of peers and mentors has strengthened both our professional growth and emotional resilience, helping us build a sustainable path for Thanks for Nothing, even during challenging times.


Visit to the exhibition "Nature's Bounty" by Charlie Roberts at Galerie PACT, September 2024. Courtesy of the artist and the gallery.

Advice and Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?


My biggest piece of advice for someone starting their own business is to first know why you are doing it and who you are doing it for. I grew up in a family with a strong political and social commitment, which shaped my understanding of the need to act on societal issues. This understanding was the foundation of Thanks for Nothing, where we use the power of art to create social impact. Having a clear mission—knowing what you stand for and who you want to help—will keep you grounded through the highs and lows.


It’s equally important to be honest with yourself about the difficulty of entrepreneurship. Running a business means wearing many hats; from fundraising and managing teams to building partnerships and overseeing projects. The reality is that you have to be prepared for daily challenges, and it’s vital to stay organized and focused.


Most importantly, never give up. Be ready to send the same email dozens or even hundreds of times, and know that sometimes it might take three years for a contact to result in a concrete project. Perseverance is key in entrepreneurship, and you must stay determined and optimistic, even when things move slowly or seem difficult.


Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster of ups and downs, and this never really changes, even after seven years in business. But with perseverance and the right attitude, you’ll keep pushing through. Surround yourself with the right people, stay focused on your mission, and maintain optimism. With that mindset, you’ll have the resilience to navigate the toughest moments and the confidence to seize opportunities when they come.


Why is understanding local cultures and building trust crucial for business success in your region?


Understanding local cultures and building trust are the cornerstones of our success at Thanks for Nothing. Our mission is to use art as a tool for social change, but for that change to be meaningful and long-lasting, it’s essential to ground our projects in the realities of the communities we serve.


A perfect example of this is our WE DREAM charity auction, which directly benefited local organizations like Centre Primo Levi and La Cimade, both of which work tirelessly on human rights and refugee issues. The funds raised had a tangible impact on their ability to continue providing vital services to the most vulnerable. This project demonstrates the importance of turning ideas into reality—it’s not just about creating ambitious concepts, but also about making sure they lead to concrete, impactful results. For me, it’s always a double challenge: the battle of ideas and the battle of their application. One cannot exist without the other. Building trust with local partners allowed us to ensure that this project not only existed in theory but also made a real-world difference.


Similarly, our Art and Social Commitment Month program, where we’ve welcomed over 1,500 young people from schools and associations, is another example of how deeply we are anchored in the local cultural landscape. By partnering with these institutions, we’ve been able to provide access to art for those who are often excluded from cultural experiences. During the program, 10 young people were given a platform on the stage of the Louvre during the Symposium, offering them an extraordinary opportunity to share their voices and ideas on how art can drive social change. This kind of visibility is crucial in democratizing access to culture and making our mission of inclusion concrete.


Building trust with schools, associations, and other local organizations has been essential to the success of these initiatives. It’s through this trust that we’re able to design and execute projects that resonate with the community and create real, measurable change. Whether it’s through educational programs or charity auctions, we always strive to make sure our ideas are not just visionary but also practical, ensuring they have a lasting, positive impact on the people and communities we serve.


Future Vision


What are your future plans for your business, and how do you envision its growth in the coming years?


The future of Thanks for Nothing is focused on building a more sustainable business model that allows us to continue growing while deepening our social impact. A key part of our plan is to create a stable economic framework, moving away from reliance on short-term funding to a more diversified revenue model. This will allow us to scale up, invest in long-term projects, and ensure the success of our core initiative—La Collective. 


As we prepare to open La Collective, one of our major goals is to expand our team. We aim to grow from our current core team to 10 full-time employees, ensuring that we have the capacity to manage this ambitious project. La Collective will be more than just a space for exhibitions—it will be a symbol of social recognition, where artists committed to social and environmental causes can collaborate with associations like Emmaüs. 


Beyond our direct projects, we have increasingly taken on the role of advisors to various actors in the cultural, associative, and corporate worlds over the past two years. Our goal is to show that culture can be a powerful tool to make social engagement broader and more concrete. By advising businesses, NGOs, and cultural institutions, we encourage them to integrate culture into their strategies for social impact. We believe that everyone must engage more actively in social causes, and we are here to foster new ways of collaboration between culture and the social sector.


This work is not only practical but also a form of political activism. We believe in using art to address social inequities and environmental issues, and it’s through culture that we can spark larger conversations and actions. Our fight is both on the level of ideas and their concrete application. By creating more opportunities for collaboration between cultural institutions and the associative world, we aim to shift the way people view social engagement, making it a collective responsibility. We need to move from passive support to active, tangible involvement, and Thanks for Nothing is here to help guide that transition.


Ultimately, we envision Thanks for Nothing becoming a model of cultural and social engagement not just in France, but across Europe and the world. By expanding our reach, advising other sectors, and creating spaces like La Collective, we aim to lead a movement that integrates culture more deeply into the fabric of social change.


Stay updated on Thanks for Nothing’s latest developments by following their website and LinkedIn page.

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