The Way We Fund Is Broken
Why centralized philanthropy is failing us — and how decentralized design is building the future of funding from the ground up.
Richelle Steyn
Founder of Art Stoke Commons — where resistance art meets systems change. Blending creativity with code, I explore how decentralised frameworks and cultural production can shape new economies rooted in meaning, dignity, and social impact. Art is my activism, Web3 is my toolkit, and disruption is part of the design.
Decentralizing Art Funding: How Blockchain Creates Transparent Ecosystems
The future of art funding doesn't lie in replicating old systems with new tools - it lies in reimagining the entire framework.
Why Gen Z Is Driving the Digital Future of Art
As Generation Z continues to influence the cultural landscape, the digital realm offers limitless possibilities for artistic expression, collaboration, and innovation. The fusion of technology with creativity is not just a trend - it represents a fundamental shift in how art is experienced and valued. By embracing digital platforms, artists can reach global audiences, challenge traditional boundaries, and contribute to a more inclusive and socially conscious art world. The future of art is digital - dynamic, diverse, and deeply connected to the evolving pulse of our time.
15 Ways Blockchain & Digital Art Solve Real-World Problems
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, blockchain and digital art are proving to be more than just innovations - they are solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in art, culture and society. From democratizing access and protecting intellectual property to fostering inclusivity and transparency, blockchain is reshaping the art world.
Future Trajectories: Navigating the Commons Economy in South Africa
The Commons Economy is a vision of society that prioritizes individual freedom, data sovereignty and ecological stewardship. Here, communities thrive in a network of decentralized systems where technology is used to empower, not exploit. Governance is shared, privacy is protected and resources are allocated to support collective well-being.
Another Ten Ideas too Dangerous to Share: Patterns, Paradoxes and the Path Forward
In this follow-up, we delve deeper into another ten transformative ideas that threaten to upend the status quo. From questioning the morality of AI-driven warfare to envisioning decentralized alternatives to economic growth, these ideas reveal the fault lines of our time.
Maximizing Revenue and Reach: A Guide to Digital Art Licensing using NFT Smart Contracts
The diverse licensing options available in the digital art and NFT space present both opportunities and challenges for artists. By strategically choosing between personal use, commercial use and IP rights licenses, artists can enhance the value of their work, reach new markets, and create more dynamic engagement with their collectors.
The Obsession with Profit & the Dark Side of Technological Innovation
The tech world is obsessed with profit and that obsession is showing symptoms of an unsettling pattern, the exploitation of human vulnerability disguised as technological innovation and progress. This article presents three compelling examples: the militarization of AI, the creeping…
Are NFTs Dead, or is Digital Art on the Blockchain a Game-Changer for Art and Culture?
Digital art on the blockchain—often referred to as NFT Art, CRYPTOART or just NFTs—represents a ground breaking shift in how we perceive, create, and exchange art. Despite early exuberance, the current NFT market has faced scrutiny, market corrections and cultural…
Ideas Too Dangerous to Share, Digital Censorship and Cultural Hegemony
Antonio Gramsci developed the concept of cultural hegemony to describe how dominant classes maintain power, not solely through economic control, but by shaping culture and ideology. By framing the accepted norms, values, and beliefs, they secure consent from the public,…