We sat down with Norbert to learn more about his adaptations to COVID as an artist, the formation of Social Antidote and Bandah, and how he is looking into the future of music and arts in Salt Lake City.

Q: Can you describe to use the work that you do?

Norbert: Social Antidote is a non-profit with the mission to showcase local creators. Bandah was born out of social antidote, and is a creative agency to connect audiences and artists to brands. We do this through experimental marketing, live events, concerts, campaigns, etc. Anything that has an audience we want to be that connecting bridge.

As we were doing these concerts, we saw that we were building something special. Our mission started as a way to provide a platform to local artists to showcase talents during COVID and then quickly moved the idea to installations to provide high quality experiences.. We have partnered with The Blocks, Downtown Alliance, Open Streets, and Twilight Concert Series.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

Norbert: I get to create every day. We are working on new things every day and I love being on the ground floor because it is something new that hasn’t been done or heart before. I want to create things I haven’t seen before.

Q: Can you expand more on what the cube and the capsule are?

Norbert:  We wanted to have something that defined and showed who we were without saying who we are, and the cube was born. We wanted to encourage an outside of the box thinking, within an box. In this 8×8 piece, we have been able to showcase different artists and their work such as music, dancers, painters, etc. We showcase these talented people through pop-ups within the city. The capsule is where we invite local artists to perform in unlikely places, and we do not tell people who the artist is and what the experience will be like.

Q: Has the shop impacted the way you work?

Norbert: Yes, it has allowed us to be creative. It is such a cool space, and even though they have similar layouts, every space in here has a different vibe. I never feel like I have to leave, and I don’t feel like I’m at work. I love the design and all the little details, and the ability to be versatile in where I sit;  it allows me to change my environment without leaving the environment of The Shop.

Q: Have you recently moved here, or have you lived in Salt Lake City your entire life? What do you think is Salt Lake City’s best kept secret?

Norbert: I Moved to SLC when I was 10 but I am originally from Mexico City. I think we are Salt Lake City’s best kept secret! Beyond that, I also think that it’s the subculture of music and art that has been so well established; everyone here is incredibly talented.

If you see Norbert around the space, be sure to say hello. He is a big fan of our Matthew Sketch pieces, just like us!