Voice • PhotoVogue NFT Residency
Today, PhotoVogue is proud to announce an important moment in our evolution. Through a partnership with Voice, a carbon neutral NFT platform, we are entering Web3 with our first NFT Residency program. We chose our moment carefully, building a program that aligns with our mission to foster talent and influence visual literacy to help advance a more just, ethical and inclusive world. This Residency program and collection is an incredible opportunity to amplify the storytelling power of photography and empower diverse artists globally, nurturing their creativity in the digital space.
NFTs enable and guarantee the authentication of a digital asset – think digital property certificate – that records and tracks every change of ownership. The technology, made possible by blockchain, makes the works linked to it collectable. The result is that these new marketplaces allow exclusive digital works to not only exist, but be discovered, bought and sold just as the gallery community supports authenticated physical photographic works. NFTs can be viewed by anyone, but becoming an owner involves purchasing an original, authentic copy that ultimately supports its creator.
The NFT world is still in its infancy, but at its core, a successful NFT drop (release of a non-fungible token project) relies on the power of the community. It is for this reason that we at PhotoVogue think it is important for us to explore this new world, and take our artists along on the adventure.
The NFT space is built on the foundations of openness, authenticity, inclusion and equality. Blockchain technology allows transactions to take place directly between artists and collectors, removing the usual barriers to entry – such as geography and representation. If the goal of NFTs is to present equal opportunities for all, the vision is a creative community where artists can gather and support each other.
We chose to work with Voice because we share a common focus, which is to empower new creators from underrepresented and marginalized communities. We have seen Voice’s commitment come to life in a series of successful NFT residencies. The first included notable names in the art world as curators: Kimberly Drew, Misan Harriman and more. The other is currently running with a diverse group of 40 creative people from around the world.
We look forward to announcing the artists from PhotoVogue’s community who have been selected to participate in the program. NFT Residency is a one-month virtual experience where Voice will help artists produce and sell their first NFT collection. Artist benefits have been informed by the experiences of past Residency participants and include a $750 stipend, $750 worth of Voice platform credits to purchase NFTs, invitations to digital workshops and mentorships, and a 25% bonus on primary sales the first month.
