Web3 Fellowship Lab Pioneers Blockchain Solutions

The Web3 for the Arts and Culture (WAC) Fellowship recently concluded its second 6-month innovation program! During this time, twelve renowned cultural institutions from around the world embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation with blockchain technology. Through this community, they immersed themselves in cultural preservation, social impact, environmental justice and financial stability. Together, these institutions have enhanced their capabilities and harnessed the potential of blockchain to revolutionize the arts and culture sector. Let’s dive in!

Transforming cultural institutions with WAC

The Web3 for the Arts and Culture (WAC) Fellowship, supported by the Tezos Foundation and led by We Are Museums, in collaboration with LAL Art, has concluded its Innovation Lab. The WAC WEEKLY discussions laid the foundation for the 4-month online program. Essentially, the program educated and brought several participating museums into Web3. Through an extensive training and mentoring programme, the fellows deepened various aspects of blockchain’s role in the cultural sector. They also examined its impact on identity, security, legal and social implications, gaming, metaverse, Web3 communication, and community building.

In addition, the fellows gained invaluable knowledge and skills. This was due to guidance from 25 trainers, 50 mentors and access to 35 lessons, 10 practical challenges and 15 case studies. In addition, the last month of the Web3 grant program was dedicated to the prototyping and development of innovative blockchain applications for the art world.

Diane Drubay, founder of We Are Museums and WAC-Lab, said “The WAC Fellowship is at the forefront of a cultural metamorphosis, empowering institutions to harness the enormous potential of blockchain technology.”

Exploring innovations from the Web3 Fellowship

Now let’s take a look at some of the innovative projects developed as part of the Web3 community.

Firstly, HEK – House of Electronic Arts has come up with an innovative project called “HEK NFT Shop”. Significantly, HEK is preparing to publish its second NFT edition in collaboration with Leander Herzog. This also celebrates the launch of the new “HEK NFT Shop.” This is just the beginning of HEK’s journey into the web3 world. Essentially, this journey includes collaboration, a tokenized museum membership, and the possibility of a future DAO.

Second, let’s look at the Musée d’Orsay. The museum is markedly embarking on a new venture since the web3 community. They are focused on merchandising, allowing visitors to collect digital souvenirs from their visit. This ground-breaking initiative marks the museum’s foray into web3. Significantly, they engage visitors on the blockchain and explore potential avenues to generate additional revenue.

Finally, let’s explore the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka! They have a plan to reward individuals who delve into the world of modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka and learn about best practices for museum facilitators. So how do they do this? Mainly through the innovative use of the Naan wallet’s “Proof-of-Learning” tokens. This pioneering approach will provide a unique and engaging way to stimulate and recognize the efforts being made to expand knowledge and understanding.

The Web3 projects developed by the museum grantees will be shown on 25 May.