Enabling Caribbean Creativity: Building the Creator Economy with Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Anthony Roberts

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

gtcryptoant@gmail.com

Additional applicants

None

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

This Project success involves gaining access to local educational institutions in these locations, as well as local community organisations.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Yes.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Education

[METADATA] SDG rating

Goals8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Goals9

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Title: Empowering Artists in the Caribbean and South America: 12 Free Workshops Unlocking the Potential of Cardano and NFTs

• Workshop Series Description:

We are thrilled to present a series of 12 free workshops in universities across the Caribbean and South America, aimed at empowering artists and creators to tap into the global market using Cardano blockchain and NFTs. Each workshop will cover essential topics, providing participants with valuable insights, practical knowledge, and hands-on experience to kickstart their journey in the world of blockchain and NFTs.

Workshop Topics:

• Workshop 1: Introduction to Blockchain Technology: Explore the fundamentals of blockchain technology, its decentralized nature, and the potential impact it can have on the creative industry.

• Workshop 2: Cardano Technology, Philosophy, and Community: Discover the unique features and advantages of Cardano blockchain, its sustainable and scalable approach, and the vibrant community driving its growth.

• Workshop 3: Entering the Global Market with NFTs: Understand the concept of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and how they revolutionize the way artists can showcase and monetize their work in the global art market.

• Workshop 4: Setting up Cardano Wallets and Creating Your First NFT: Learn step-by-step how to set up a Cardano wallet, navigate the NFT creation process, and mint your first digital artwork or collectible.

(Additional workshop topics can be added based on the specific needs and interests of the participants.)

Workshop Format:

The workshops will be interactive and hands-on, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable insights from real-world case studies. The goal is to equip artists and creators with the necessary skills and confidence to leverage Cardano blockchain and NFTs effectively.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased Understanding: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, Cardano's ecosystem, and the potential of NFTs in the creative industry.

• Practical Skills: Participants will learn how to set up Cardano wallets, mint NFTs, and navigate the process of entering the global market with their creative work.

• Networking and Collaboration: The workshops will foster connections among participants, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and potential future partnerships.

• Empowerment: Artists and creators will feel empowered to embrace new technologies and opportunities, confident in their ability to leverage Cardano and NFTs to unlock the global market for their artistic expressions.
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Conclusion:

1. Through this series of 12 free workshops, we aim to ignite a wave of creativity and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean and South America. By equipping artists and creators with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks, we believe they can harness the power of Cardano blockchain and NFTs to transcend geographical boundaries, connect with global audiences, and secure economic independence through their talents.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge by providing artists and creators in the Caribbean and South America with the knowledge and tools to access the global market using Cardano blockchain and NFTs. By presenting 12 free workshops in universities across the region, we empower participants to navigate the world of blockchain technology, understand the unique features of Cardano, and create and monetize their work through NFTs.

Benefits for the Cardano ecosystem include:

• Increased Adoption: By educating and onboarding artists and creators onto the Cardano platform, our workshops contribute to the wider adoption of Cardano, expanding the user base and fostering a thriving ecosystem.

• Diverse and Engaged Community: The workshops cultivate a community of artists and creators who are active participants in the Cardano ecosystem, driving innovation, collaborating on projects, and contributing to the growth of the community.

• Showcasing Cardano's Advantages: Through hands-on experience with Cardano wallets and NFT creation, participants will witness firsthand the advantages of Cardano's technology, such as its sustainable approach, scalability, and transparent transactions, showcasing the strengths of the Cardano ecosystem.

• Global Exposure: As artists and creators utilize Cardano and NFTs to access the global market, they bring visibility to Cardano as a platform for creative expression, attracting attention from art enthusiasts, collectors, and investors worldwide.

• Economic Growth: Empowering artists and creators in the Caribbean and South America to monetize their work through NFTs on Cardano opens up new economic opportunities, driving economic growth within the region and contributing to the overall success of the Cardano ecosystem.

By addressing the challenge and facilitating the integration of artists and creators into the Cardano ecosystem, our solution creates a mutually beneficial relationship. Artists gain access to international markets, financial independence, and a secure platform, while Cardano benefits from increased adoption, a diverse community, and global recognition as a leading blockchain platform for the creative industry.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

To measure the success of our project, we will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics. The following key indicators will help evaluate the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives:

• Workshop Attendance and Feedback: We will track the number of participants attending the workshops and collect feedback through surveys and evaluations to assess the quality of the sessions, overall satisfaction, and areas for improvement.

• Participant Engagement and Collaboration: Monitoring the level of engagement, networking, and collaboration among workshop participants will indicate the success of fostering connections and potential partnerships within the Cardano community.

• Adoption of Cardano and NFTs: We will track the number of artists and creators who actively start using Cardano wallets, create and sell NFTs, and engage with the Cardano ecosystem. Increased adoption will demonstrate the effectiveness of our educational efforts.

• Market Reach and Sales: Monitoring the number of NFTs created, their sales volume, and the artists' success stories in accessing the global market will indicate the project's impact in providing economic opportunities for artists and expanding their market reach.

• Artist Testimonials and Success Stories: Collecting testimonials and success stories from artists who have benefited from our workshops and successfully leveraged Cardano and NFTs will serve as qualitative evidence of the project's impact and effectiveness.

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Assessing the number and quality of partnerships established with universities, local organizations, and industry stakeholders will indicate the project's ability to leverage support and create a sustainable network for future initiatives.

• Long-Term Sustainability: Evaluating the project's sustainability beyond the initial workshops, such as the continuation of artist adoption of Cardano and NFTs, ongoing community engagement, and the establishment of follow-up support mechanisms, will determine the long-term success and impact of our project.

By regularly monitoring these metrics throughout the project's lifecycle, we will be able to gauge its success, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance our initiatives and achieve our intended outcomes.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

We plans to share the outputs and results of our project with various stakeholders, both within the Cardano community and the wider creative industry. Our strategy includes the following components:

1. Project Website: We will create a dedicated project website where we will share updates, project details, workshop materials, and resources. The website will serve as a central hub for information and a platform to showcase success stories and testimonials from participating artists.

1. Social Media and Online Platforms: We will actively engage on social media platforms, such as Twitter and instagram, to share project updates, insights, and success stories. We will also leverage Cardano-specific online communities and forums to reach the Cardano community directly.

1. Workshop Reports: We will compile reports summarizing each workshop's key findings, lessons learned, and notable achievements. These reports will be shared with our partners, relevant organizations, and stakeholders to disseminate the knowledge gained during the workshops.

1. Case Studies and Success Stories: We will document and publish case studies highlighting the success stories of artists and creators who have effectively utilized Cardano and NFTs to access the global market. These case studies will provide valuable insights and inspiration for other artists and potential users.

1. Public talks and Conferences: We will seek opportunities to present our project and outcomes at relevant conferences, industry events, and symposiums. By participating in panel discussions, we will contribute to the broader knowledge sharing and academic discourse on blockchain technology and the creator economy.

• Collaboration with Media and Press: We will proactively engage with media outlets and press to showcase the impact of our project and raise awareness about the potential of Cardano and NFTs in empowering artists. This may include interviews, articles, and features in relevant publications.

• Partnerships and Collaborations: By partnering with local organizations, universities, and industry stakeholders, we will leverage their networks and channels to share project outputs and results, ensuring broader dissemination within the target communities.

Through these various channels, we aim to reach artists, creators, blockchain enthusiasts, industry professionals, policymakers, and investors, both regionally and globally. By sharing our project outputs and results, we seek to inspire, educate, and foster a broader understanding of the transformative potential of Cardano and NFTs in empowering artists and driving economic growth in the creative industry.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Our capability to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability is rooted in my personal journey and experience within the Cardano community.

Since joining the Cardano community in September 2021, I have actively immersed myself in exploring the various aspects of building projects on Cardano. I have firsthand experience in creating NFT collections, starting from December 2021, and have achieved notable success with my AI collection, reaching a total volume of 23k ADA.

Furthermore, I have been living almost exclusively using ADA for everyday expenses and bills since July 2021, which demonstrates my deep commitment and belief in the Cardano ecosystem. This personal experience allows me to empathize with artists and creators and understand the transformative power that Cardano can bring to their lives.

I have also partnered with Cardano Hotel in Barcelona, where I conducted four workshops on behalf of Catalyst Fund 9. These workshops successfully onboarded artists and introduced new members to the Cardano community, generating excitement and action among participants.

My passion for empowering others to discover the possibilities of Cardano is the driving force behind this project. Through my lived experience and demonstrated dedication, I have firsthand knowledge of how Cardano works and the positive impact it can have on artists and creators. This deep understanding, combined with my partnership with Cardano Hotel and past workshop engagements, showcases my ability to deliver the project with a high level of trust, accountability, and a genuine passion for fostering growth within the Caribbean community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of the project are:

• Empower Caribbean artists and creators: The project aims to empower artists and creators in the Caribbean by providing them with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to access global markets through Cardano and NFTs. The goal is to enable economic independence and sustainable growth within the creative community.

• Facilitate adoption of Cardano and NFTs: The project seeks to drive adoption of Cardano and NFTs among artists and creators in the Caribbean. By educating and onboarding participants, we aim to validate the feasibility of utilizing blockchain technology and NFTs as effective tools for artists to showcase and monetize their work.

The approach has already been validated as we have already held workshops which has onboarded artists and generated income for them.

To further validate the feasibility of our approach, we will employ the following strategies:

• Pilot Workshops: We will conduct pilot workshops with a select group of artists and creators in the Caribbean to test and refine our approach. Their feedback and insights will help us assess the effectiveness of the workshops, identify potential challenges, and make necessary adjustments before scaling up.

• Participant Feedback and Evaluation: Throughout the workshops, we will collect feedback and conduct evaluations to measure participant satisfaction, knowledge gained, and their perception of the feasibility and value of utilising Cardano and NFTs in their creative endeavors.

• Tracking Adoption and NFT Creation: We will monitor the number of artists and creators who actively adopt Cardano, set up wallets, and successfully create and sell NFTs. The level of adoption will serve as a tangible indicator of the feasibility and acceptance of our approach.

• Market Reach and Sales: We will track the market reach and sales of the NFTs created by workshop participants. Monitoring their success in accessing global markets and generating sales will validate the feasibility of leveraging Cardano and NFTs for economic growth within the Caribbean creative community.

• Long-term Sustainability: The project's long-term sustainability will be assessed by monitoring the continued adoption of Cardano and NFTs by artists and creators beyond the duration of the workshops. This will indicate whether the project's impact is sustained and if our approach is feasible and impactful in the long run.

By continuously evaluating participant feedback, tracking adoption metrics, and assessing the sustainability of the project, we will validate the feasibility of our approach and make any necessary adjustments to ensure its success in empowering Caribbean artists and driving Cardano and NFT adoption within the creative community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Project Preparation and Stakeholder Engagement (Duration: 1 month)

Milestone 2: Workshop Execution (Duration: 2 months)

Milestone 3: Evaluation and Refinement (Duration: 1 month)

Milestone 4: Dissemination and Reporting (Duration: Ongoing throughout the project)

Milestone 5: Sustainability and Future Planning (Duration: 2 months)

Please note that the above timeline is a general estimate and can be adjusted based on specific project requirements and the availability of resources.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Project Preparation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Task 1: Project scoping and planning: Define project objectives, outcomes, and key deliverables. Engage stakeholders, including universities, local organizations, and the Cardano community. (Duration: 1 month)

Milestone 2: Workshop Execution

• Task 1: Workshop logistics and scheduling: Coordinate with partner universities to determine workshop locations, dates, and participant registration. (Duration: 2 weeks)
• Task 2: Workshop delivery: Conduct a series of 12 workshops, covering various topics such as blockchain technology, Cardano ecosystem, NFTs, wallet setup, and NFT creation. Provide hands-on training and support to participants. (Duration: 6 weeks)

Milestone 3: Evaluation and Refinement

• Task 1: Participant feedback collection: Gather feedback from workshop participants through surveys, evaluations, and interviews to assess the effectiveness of the workshops, identify strengths, areas for improvement, and measure participant satisfaction. (Duration: Ongoing throughout the workshop period)
• Task 2: Data analysis and evaluation: Analyze the collected feedback and data to evaluate the impact of the workshops, the level of adoption of Cardano and NFTs, and the overall success of the project. Identify areas for refinement and improvement. (Duration: 1 month)

Milestone 4: Dissemination and Reporting

• Task 1: Workshop reports and case studies: Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing workshop findings, success stories, and lessons learned. Develop case studies highlighting artists' achievements and the impact of Cardano and NFT adoption. (Duration: 2 weeks)
• Task 2: Publication and sharing: Publish reports, case studies, and success stories on the project website, social media platforms, and relevant industry publications. Engage with media outlets, press, and Cardano community channels to disseminate project outcomes and findings. (Duration: Ongoing throughout the project)

Milestone 5: Sustainability and Future Planning

• Task 1: Follow-up support mechanisms: Establish mechanisms to provide ongoing support and guidance to artists and creators who have adopted Cardano and NFTs. This may include mentorship programs, online communities, and resources. (Duration: Ongoing)

• Task 2: Future planning and scaling: Evaluate the sustainability of the project, explore opportunities for scaling up the workshops or launching additional initiatives. Identify potential funding sources and partnerships to ensure the long-term impact and growth of the project. (Duration: 2 months)

Expected Timeline: Ongoing

Please note that the above timeline is a general estimate and can be adjusted based on specific project requirements and the availability of resources.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Budget breakdown for the proposed project:

Personnel Expenses:

• Workshop Facilitators: Compensation for experienced workshop facilitators to deliver the 12 workshops.
• Support Staff: Administrative and logistical support for workshop organization and coordination.

Workshop Materials and Resources:

• Printing and Stationery: Costs for printing workshop materials, handouts, and resources.
• Audiovisual Equipment: Rental or purchase of audiovisual equipment for presentations and demonstrations during workshops.
• Software and Tools: Licenses or subscriptions for software tools required for workshop activities.

Venue and Logistics:

• Workshop Venue: Costs associated with securing suitable venues for each workshop, including rental fees, setup, and utilities.
• Travel and Accommodation: Travel expenses for workshop facilitators, if applicable, and accommodations for facilitators and support staff.

Marketing and Outreach:

• Marketing Materials: Design and printing of promotional materials, such as brochures, posters, and banners.
• Online Promotion: Advertising and social media campaigns to raise awareness of the workshops and attract participants.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Potential costs associated with establishing partnerships and collaborations with universities and local organizations.

Participant Support:

• Participant Resources: Development and distribution of participant resources, including handouts, guides, and digital assets.
• Refreshments: Provision of refreshments and snacks during workshops.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Data Collection Tools: Purchase or subscription to tools for data collection, survey software, and analysis.
• Reporting and Documentation: Costs associated with preparing reports, case studies, and project documentation.
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Miscellaneous Expenses:

• Contingency: Allocate a portion of the budget as contingency funds to address unforeseen expenses or changes in project requirements.

It is essential to note that the budget will vary based on factors such as the location, scale, and duration of the workshops, as well as the availability of in-kind support, partnerships, and sponsorships. Therefore, a detailed budget breakdown can be tailored and refined once specific project details and resource availability are determined.

Additionally, the budget may be funded through a combination of sources, including grants, partnerships, community contributions, and sponsorships. It is crucial to explore funding opportunities and engage with potential stakeholders to secure the necessary financial resources for successful project implementation.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

These Countries The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

Adoption and Growth: By investing in the project, the Cardano ecosystem expands its reach and adoption within the Caribbean and South American creative communities. The workshops enable artists and creators to onboard onto the Cardano platform, driving increased adoption of Cardano wallets, NFT creation, and utilization of the ecosystem's features.

Community Engagement: The project fosters a vibrant and engaged community of artists and creators within the Cardano ecosystem. This community brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and potential collaborations, enriching the ecosystem and contributing to its long-term growth.

Market Expansion: Supporting artists and creators to access global markets through NFTs on Cardano opens up new opportunities for exposure and revenue generation. As artists succeed in the global market, it enhances the reputation and attractiveness of Cardano as a platform for creative expression, attracting more users, collectors, and investors to the ecosystem.

Economic Impact: Empowering artists and creators to monetize their work through NFTs contributes to economic growth within the Cardano ecosystem. As artists generate income and establish sustainable revenue streams, they contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the ecosystem and its stakeholders.

Innovation and Use Cases: The project provides real-world use cases and examples of how Cardano can be utilized in the creative industry. This strengthens Cardano's position as a blockchain platform capable of addressing practical challenges and creating meaningful opportunities for various sectors.

Network Effects: As the project gains traction and artists find success using Cardano, it attracts more artists, developers, and industry professionals to join the ecosystem. The network effects lead to a virtuous cycle of increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, further enhancing the value and potential of the Cardano ecosystem.

Overall, the cost of the project represents a strategic investment that fuels growth, adoption, and economic impact within the Cardano ecosystem. It creates a mutually beneficial environment where artists and creators thrive, while Cardano expands its reach, relevance, and influence within the creative industry.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept