Support Local Artists of Color By Purchasing Limited Edition NFTs
As someone who either attended our recent event announcing the expansion of the DC Department of Buildings' Vacant-to-Visual Program, or expressed an interest in learning more about the program, we want to inform you that the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) featuring the artwork that will beautify vacant properties in the District of Columbia begins today.
Limited Edition NFTs Available For Purchase
Featuring the work of local artists Nia Keturah, Marly McFly, and Mayor's Office of Policy and Innovation Artist-in-Residence Robert Stephenson, sales initially feature three pieces of artwork, with additional artwork being added every three weeks. Each NFT is limited 100 sales.
Purchase NFTs on CityKey.art
Last year, under the purview of our predecessor agency, DOB launched the program to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the District of Columbia by transforming vacant properties into artistic sites within the community, thereby reducing eyesores until properties can be returned to productive use.
Vacant-to-Visual Expansion Using Non-Fungible Tokens
DOB expanded the Vacant-to-Visual Program into the metaverse by adding new artists, an additional eight buildings, and launching a collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to support local artists in the program.
Supporting Local Artists
The NFTs are available for sale, with proceeds going to benefit the artists. The minting of the NFTs is made possible through a public-private partnership between DOB, the Arena Social Arts Club, and DMA United. The Arena Social Arts Club is a District-based 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization whose mission is to highlight Black artists and curators and to showcase visual, performing and literary arts in a multi-functional, community space that aims to advance the importance of cultural arts through events and genuine engagement. DMA United is an advertising and representation agency that provides branding, creative and business development services. It is the developer of the CityKey platform, which provides dynamic access to cities, their art and their experiences, and through which sales will be made.