Catching up with Manuel – The head of Meeting of Styles

Exterior of the headquarter of Meeting of Styles, painted by various graffiti writers in 2012 Photo: Friendly from Invasian

Back in the summer of 2012, Invasian first met with Manuel, the head of Meeting of Styles (MOS) in Wiesbaden, Germany, where MOS originated. Thanks to Akim from On the Run (OTR), aka Zebster, for connecting us and for bringing the ABS crew to Europe for our EU x CN Urban Cultural Xchange program. Invasian went on tour in Germany and the Netherlands with the crew. Together we painted the headquarters of MOS on that trip.

That same year, MOS, OTR, and Invasian met again in Beijing for the launch of the new 400ml graffiti shop, next in Guangzhou for Urban Culture Invasian – Hip Hop Jam Guangzhou, and then Hustle and Freeze in Shenzhen, China. After many years, we tried to catch up with Manuel again.

Urban Culture Invasian – Hip Hop Jam Guangzhou, 2012 Photo: Friendly from Invasian

Hi Manuel, it’s been a while since we last spoke, how are you doing? What have you been busy with these days?

Manuel: I'm doing pretty well, thanks! Life has been keeping me busy — lots has changed since we last met. You know how it is — the only constant in life is change, and I believe that’s a good thing.

The headquarters at Kontext, where we first met, is actually coming to an end. Our 15-year lease is up this summer, therefore the center is becoming more of a legend from the past. But we haven’t been idle — quite the opposite. Currently We are in serious discussions with the city about creating a cultural campus on the original Schlachthof grounds, where Meeting of Styles first began almost 30 years ago. The vision for this campus is to bring together several cultural organizations in one place and to establish a European Hip Hop Museum — a place to preserve and document the movement’s rich history.

Headquarter of Meeting of Styles – Kontext, painted in 2012 Photo: Andy from ABS crew

Interior of the headquarter of Meeting of Styles Photo: Friendly from Invasian

Aside from the museum and campus plans, MOS is still going strong. I am still coordinating global events, and in addition to MOS Germany, I have become very involved in organizing MOS Jamaica too.

Probably many people have already known about the history of MOS, if not, I suggest our audience to have a look through the MOS’s website. MOS has thrown more than 400 events worldwide since the foundation of Int. Meeting Of Styles back in 1997. Have you personally attended to all these events? Was there any unforgettable experience?

Manuel: I wish I had been able to attend every single event — but realistically, it's just not possible due to time and budget constraints. As much as I’m driven by my passion and love for graffiti and urban art, I still need to make a living!

That said, I have had the chance to visit most of the organizers and build strong friendships with people all over the world. There have been countless unforgettable experiences — too many to name, really. I could probably fill a book with them.

MOS 2014 Singapore  Photo: Manuel from MOS

I'm especially grateful for having had the opportunity to attend some truly outstanding MOS events across China, throughout Europe, the U.S., and Latin America.

Do you recall when and where the first MOS event in Asia was held? How did it start?

Manuel: The first MOS event in Asia was held in China. Touch Wong reached out to us back then, and I was really excited to see how far the reputation of MOS had spread. He organized an impressive event in Changsha, and it was clear to me that I had to go experience it for myself.

I think it was around 2013 when I finally made it to one of the China MOS events in Shenzhen. That trip marked the beginning of a bit of traveling through Asia for me — it was inspiring to see the movement take root in such a different cultural landscape.

MOS 2013, Changsha, China Photo: Manuel from MOS

Is it more difficult to organize MOS in Asia than in Europe? If so, what are the difficulties? If it is easier, what makes it easier?

Manuel: To be honest, it is hard for me to say definitively, since all MOS organizers operate independently. They agree to follow the guidelines and then handle things on their own from there.

That said, organizing events in Asia is quite different, especially when it comes to funding and support. In many Asian countries, events rely heavily on sponsorships, which can be unpredictable — sponsors may support you one year and disappear the next.

In contrast, in Europe and Latin America, there are often opportunities to apply for public funding through municipalities or cultural institutions. That kind of consistent, institutional support can make organizing events a lot easier and more sustainable.

MOS 2014 Bangkok, Thailand  Photo: Manuel from MOS

It must take a lot of persistence to hold an event for more than 20 years. Mad props from Invasian! Has there been any crisis in all these years that caused activities to come to a halt? What drives you to keep going?

Manuel: Thank you. I really appreciate that! Of course, there have always been challenges along the way, but as I mentioned earlier, each MOS event is unique. While it may look like a large organization from the outside, at its core Meeting of Styles is made up of activists, graffiti artists, and true enthusiasts.

What unites us is our shared love and passion — for graffiti, for culture, and for creating spaces where people from all over the world can come together. That’s what keeps me going.

One of the most powerful things for me is seeing artists from countries that are politically opposed come together, painting side by side on the same wall. That’s when you realize — we’re all citizens of the world, connected by creativity, expression, and mutual respect.

MOS 2014 Wiesbaden, Germany  Photo: Manuel from MOS

When organizing an event, finding sponsors is often a daunting task. How do you usually deal with it? Besides, how can our audience or the general public support your event?

Manuel: In the early years of MOS, I tried to secure international sponsorships from large companies, but unfortunately, those efforts didn’t lead to much success. That’s why today, each local organizer operates independently. Some are able to access public funding, while others rely on finding their own sponsors.

Interestingly, it tends to work better on a national or local level than through international deals. In some cases, like with MOS Jamaica, organizers have even turned to crowdfunding to help make the event happen.

If anyone wants to support, they can visit our website. There are often fundraising campaigns listed there. Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the movement alive and growing.

MOS 2014 Wiesbaden, Germany  Photo: Manuel from MOS

Do you work alone? Or how many people are behind the official MOS team? If you have a team, how do you maintain good teamwork?

Manuel: The size of the national teams varies from country to country. For example, in Germany we have a core team of around 8 to 10 dedicated volunteers, plus another 10 or so helpers who support us during the events.

Other MOS teams usually consist of about 5 to 10 people, depending on the scale of the event and local resources.

On the international level, the team is quite small — it’s mainly the webmaster, a graphic designer, and myself as the international coordinator. Despite being spread out, we stay connected through regular communication and a shared passion for what we do. That mutual commitment is what keeps the teamwork strong.

MOS 2014 Manila, The Philippines  Photo: Manuel from MOS

Last but not least, any shout outs?

Manuel: Massive respect to all the organizers — past and present — who’ve helped carry the torch for MOS. Without their dedication, this platform wouldn’t exist. And of course, to all the artists who’ve given their time, talent, resources, and passion — you are the heart of MOS!

Big thanks as well to everyone out there who supports and appreciates what we do. In a world that often feels increasingly divided — with misinformation, fear, and false narratives — it is more important than ever to focus on what brings us together.

We are the real global citizens. Borders, cultures, religions — these aren’t barriers for us. We’re united by creativity, expression, and a shared vision. Let’s keep building and do our part to make the world a better, more connected place.

Manuel, the head of Meeting of Styles  Photo: Manuel from MOS

MOS has set foot in many countries in Asia, such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and even Vietnam. This year, MOS will finally be held in Hong Kong in November for the first time. MOS Philippines and MOS Thailand just ended not long ago. The upcoming MOS Indonesia will kick off at the end of this month. Stay tuned for event updates.