Neo VogelArt Lab is an art and culture lab based in Nice, founded by Sebastian and Simon. Designed as a hybrid space, it offers both a physical and digital stage for emerging and established artists, creating meaningful intersections between online visibility and real-world encounters.

Repose: How would you describe what you do?

Simon: At NEO, we give artists and cultural projects a stage. It’s our art and culture lab, a safe, open space for painters, sculptors, video and performance artists, and creatives working with handmade or art-driven design. It’s multifunctional, and we offer it to clients and people who feel connected to art and culture.

Repose: What made you launch this project? 

Simon: We always loved art and grew up around it. We started by publishing art editions, but we quickly realized that being physically present matters, people need to see and experience art in real life. That led us to organize pop-ups in different cities, like during Gallery Weekend Berlin, and we discovered that the mix of online and offline works best. Both sides feed each other. But we always dreamed of a permanent place. We love the Côte d’Azur, the sea, the light, the history of artists coming here, so it made sense to settle here.

Repose: Did you face difficulties during the transition from full-time jobs to your own project?

Simon: Definitely. Sebastian started the art edition business nine years ago, and I supported us financially with my marketing job. When we decided to expand and open NEO, one person couldn’t carry it anymore, so I quit and joined the art business fully.

It’s still a challenge. We’re constantly traveling between Germany and Nice, and it’s exhausting. But we don’t regret it. We’ve never had a lower income but we’ve never been happier. Everything we earn goes straight back into the business. We don’t dream of villas or boats; we dream of a good, meaningful life, and that’s exactly what we have.

Repose: Do you think the public understands the concept?

Simon: Hard to say. Many people know us from our pop-ups in Munich, and they’re very interested. But sometimes they don’t understand whether an exhibition is organized by us or by someone who rented the space, so communication can be tricky. Still, NEO is quite well-known in Nice, there aren’t many spaces like this here, so people talk. And because we come from advertising, we know that communication requires constant repetition.

Repose: Now that your project is real and up and running, do you think it still embodies the essence of the original idea?

Simon: It’s even better than expected. We arrived as foreigners, unsure how people would react, but the neighborhood, restaurants, and cultural scene welcomed us with open arms. Even the Mayor’s office invited us to speak at an event for cultural workers only six months after opening. That would never have happened in Germany. Of course, there were some difficult moments, but we stand our ground and protect our space. We stay positive, open, and clear about our values. Cooperation is our philosophy. We don’t need the whole cake, sharing it creates more for everyone.

Repose: What motivates you the most right now?

Simon: The response we get from clients, the art scene, and the artists. Every show introduces us to new creators and expands our network. That’s where our energy comes from. The work is constant and demanding, but when we do find small breaks, we enjoy nature, the sea, and the freedom we’ve built. The mix of hard work, meaningful exchanges, and moments of recharge is what keeps us going.

Repose: What does a typical day look like for you?

Simon: There is no typical day. Emails, social media, content creation, logistics, organizing permits. We travel a lot for studio visits and artist meetings. We curate shows, communicate with artists, prepare editions, pack and ship artworks, and manage both the Nice and Munich locations. Every day is different, which is exactly what we love.

Repose: Any future projects you can share?

Simon: Many. We’re always in conversation with new artists and galleries. We’re releasing a new edition with Norbert Bisky in December, a huge honor for us. It came unexpectedly, which proves that when you put good energy into the world, it comes back.

Repose: What would you say to your younger self when you first started this project?

Simon: Be brave. Don’t be afraid. If your concept is solid and comes from genuine passion, you can’t go wrong. Think big, not in a crazy way, but with confidence. Passion, courage, and a strong idea will always lead you forward.

Repose Archive is a creative direction journal documenting processes and projects across art, design, architecture, and hospitality. As designers, we interview creative minds and explore purposeful creation.  Photography credits: Repose.