CARDANO CREATIVE HACK: Engaging Non technical Arts Creatives on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

CLEMENT UMOH

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

40000

[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] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Cardano Creative Hack is a 2-day interactive event where artists and creatives collaborate to explore Cardano, Blockchain, and AI, blending art and tech in a fun, accessible, and non-technical way. 

[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.”

No dependencies

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

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The Cardano Creative Hack will ensure that all its outputs, including artwork, collaborative designs, and related resources, are open-sourced. This means that the creative works produced during the event will be freely available for public access, reuse, modification, and distribution. We are adopting an open-source model, because we aim to foster innovation and creativity beyond the event itself, encouraging a broader community to build upon these outputs. Artists and developers alike can use these resources to explore new blockchain applications, generate new artistic expressions, and contribute to the Cardano ecosystem in a collaborative and decentralized way.

Our team believes that this approach aligns with Cardano’s mission of decentralization and transparency, making creative outputs not only accessible but also a starting point for future projects within the ecosystem. All resources will be licensed under appropriate open-source licenses to ensure legal clarity and ease of collaboration.

[METADATA] Horizons

Events

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Cardano Creative Hack: A Detailed Description

Perceiving the Problem We Are Solving

In the rapidly evolving blockchain and decentralized technology space, there is a disconnect between non-technical creative communities (such as artists, designers, and illustrators) and blockchain ecosystems like Cardano.

These artists often struggle to find accessible, practical ways to engage with the potential of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and decentralized solutions.

While technical communities benefit from open-source tools and collaborative environments, non-technical creatives rarely have similar platforms that are easy to navigate and that foster understanding of how blockchain can transform their work.

This disconnect limits the potential use cases of blockchain technology in the creative industry and restricts the Cardano ecosystem from realizing its full, diverse range of creative and cultural applications.

Our initiative intends to address this gap, thereby creating an inclusive bridge for creative communities to explore the advantages of decentralization and blockchain, while also enriching Cardano’s ecosystem with fresh ideas and diverse participants.

Why We Are Approaching It This Way

We are using an interactive, non-technical hackathon format because it creates a hands-on, engaging, and collaborative environment. Our project's focus is on artistic collaboration and creativity. This means our participants don’t need to have prior technical expertise in blockchain or AI—they can learn and innovate in real time.

Our engagement format also introduces a dynamic learning-by-doing experience, allowing artists to explore and create using Cardano’s tools and technologies in a practical, approachable manner.

We are making the event fun, collaborative, and accessible. We believe this can lower the entry barrier for non-technical users, encouraging greater engagement and exploration on Cardano.

Its worthwhile to also say that the open-source nature of the outputs will also provide a long-term benefit to Cardano, as the works created can inspire and drive further blockchain-creative integrations.

Who Our Project Engages

The Cardano Creative Hack will primarily engage:

• Non-technical artists and creatives: Designers, illustrators, and creative enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the intersection of technology and art but have little or no technical background.
• Local and global art communities: This includes emerging artists, university art departments, independent creators, and art collectives who wish to experiment with digital mediums and decentralized technologies.
• Cardano developers and enthusiasts: While this project is aimed at creatives, we will also engage blockchain developers interested in fostering the creative side of decentralized technology and who can help facilitate the technical infrastructure for the event.

These groups will come together to experiment with Cardano’s blockchain tools, AI integrations, and digital art platforms in a collaborative environment.

How We Will Demonstrate and Prove Our Impact

The impact of the Cardano Creative Hack can be demonstrated in several ways:

• Diverse Participation: Success can be measured by the diversity of participants, especially those with non-technical backgrounds, who take part in the event. We aim for a strong representation of artists who are new to blockchain.
• Quality and Quantity of Open-Source Creative Outputs: The event will produce a wide array of open-source art and design projects, available to the public for reuse and adaptation. The number and quality of these works will serve as tangible proof of the hackathon’s creative output.
• Post-event Engagement: We will track how the created art, ideas, and collaborations continue to develop within the Cardano ecosystem after the event, encouraging follow-up projects and collaborations.
• Community Growth: Increased interest in Cardano from non-technical and creative communities will be an important indicator of the project’s success. We’ll monitor social media engagement, creative forums, and direct feedback from participants.

What Makes Our Solution Unique?

Our approach is unique because it combines three essential elements in a way that has rarely been done before:

1. Art + Blockchain + AI in a Non-technical Format: Most blockchain projects focus heavily on technical innovations, leaving creative communities on the periphery. By merging Cardano’s decentralized technology with an accessible, art-centric approach, we make the blockchain ecosystem relevant to an entirely new audience.
2. Hands-on Creativity: This is not a typical hackathon. The focus is on creating art, which means that participants will walk away with tangible, visually impactful works that blend creativity with technology. The use of AI to enhance or inspire creative outputs adds an additional layer of innovation.
3. Open-Source Artistic Resources: All creative works generated during the event will be released under open-source licenses, meaning the broader community can access, reuse, and build upon the resources. This positions the hack as a catalyst for continued innovation within the creative blockchain space.

Who Will Benefit and Why It Matters to Cardano

1. Non-technical Creatives: Artists, designers, and creatives will be the primary beneficiaries, as they will be empowered to understand and use blockchain technology in a non-intimidating, exciting way.
2. The Cardano Ecosystem: By engaging a new demographic—one that traditionally hasn’t been part of the blockchain conversation—Cardano will see an expansion in its use cases, making it more relevant to diverse industries and creative sectors. This will also contribute to decentralization of the creative economy, as more artists will have access to blockchain tools and marketplaces for their work.
3. Cardano Developers and Innovators: Developers and those in the technical community will benefit from increased opportunities to collaborate with creative thinkers. This cross-pollination can lead to new use cases, innovative applications of blockchain technology, and stronger interdisciplinary partnerships within the Cardano ecosystem.

Why This Is Important to Cardano

This initiative is important to Cardano because it aligns with the platform’s mission of inclusivity, decentralization, and empowerment. We are keen on making blockchain technology accessible to non-technical creatives, and in doing so enable Cardano extend its reach beyond traditional blockchain developers, helping to build a more diverse and creative community. It also reinforces Cardano’s potential to be at the forefront of artistic and digital innovation, while promoting an open-source culture that drives collaboration and long-term growth for the entire ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Value to the Cardano Community

The Cardano Creative Hack will bring significant value to the Cardano community in several ways:

i. Enhanced Community Engagement: By bringing together artists and creative individuals with the Cardano ecosystem, we foster a diverse community that goes beyond technical users. This engagement will help cultivate a broader interest in Cardano, inspiring new projects and use cases that can bridge art and technology.

ii. Innovative Use Cases: The unique blend of creativity, blockchain, and AI explored during the event will likely lead to innovative applications of Cardano's technology, enhancing its reputation as a versatile platform capable of supporting diverse industries.

iii. Cultural Enrichment: The art and creative outputs produced will contribute to the cultural tapestry of the Cardano ecosystem, showcasing the platform's potential to support artistic endeavors and providing visibility to new forms of digital art.

iv. Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The event will create opportunities for collaboration between technical and non-technical participants, fostering knowledge exchange that can lead to further innovations in the use of blockchain in creative fields.

Measuring Impact

We will measure the impact of the Cardano Creative Hack using both quantitative and qualitative methods:

A. Quantitative Measures:

i. Participation Metrics: Track the number of attendees, artists, and diverse participants engaging in the event. This will help assess the reach and inclusivity of the project.

ii. Output Volume: Count the number of creative works produced during the hackathon, including artwork, designs, and collaborations, as well as the diversity of media used.

iii. Post-Event Engagement: Monitor social media interactions, online discussions, and new project initiatives that arise as a result of the event. Increased engagement metrics will indicate ongoing interest.

B. Qualitative Measures:

i. Feedback Surveys: Our team will conduct surveys and interviews with participants to gather insights about their experiences, learning, and how they perceive the value of blockchain technology for their artistic practices.

ii. Case Studies: we will also document specific stories of collaborations or projects that emerge from the hackathon, highlighting individual experiences and successes.

iii. Artistic Impact: We are also keen on evaluating the quality and creativity of the outputs, considering how they push boundaries and explore new ideas in the intersection of art and blockchain.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We will share the outputs and opportunities resulting from the Cardano Creative Hack through several channels:

i. Open-Source Platforms: All creative works produced during the event will be published on open-source platforms (like GitHub, ArtStation, or creative commons) to ensure broad access and collaboration. This will allow others in the community to build upon and adapt the works created.

ii. Showcase Events: Where possible, we may organize a post-hack exhibition (virtual or in-person) to display the outputs and celebrate the achievements of participants. This event can attract further interest from the Cardano community and beyond.

iii. Social Media and Online Communities: We'd be glad to share highlights, artwork, and participant stories on social media channels, relevant forums, and Cardano community groups. Engaging storytelling will help to raise awareness and foster interest in the creative potential of Cardano.

iv. Collaborations and Partnerships: We will also create partnerships with art institutions, tech meetups, and local creative communities to further disseminate the outputs and explore ongoing collaborations. This can help sustain the momentum of creativity beyond the event.

v. Educational Resources: Finally, we are keen on also developiing guides, tutorials, or videos from the event that outline how participants used Cardano tools and technologies in their artistic projects. These resources will be shared with the broader community to educate and inspire others to engage with blockchain creatively.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

EXISTING CAPABILITIES

i. Proven Track Record: I have been actively involved in organizing community-focused events within the tech and creative sectors, including the SingularityNET Student Club event aimed at empowering undergraduates in AI. I have also organized a blockchain summit that saw the integration of hundreds of tertiary institution students into various blockchain projects and commuinties. I have also successfully spearheaded the Funding Funnels event which saw the integration of several students alongside their innovative ideas into the Deep Funding Program of SingularityNET. I am also currently part of the team that is researching Zero Knowledge Proof voting platforms on Cardano from Fund 11. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to manage logistics, facilitate collaboration, and ensure engagement among diverse participants.

ii. Strong Network and Partnerships: My connections within the tech and art communities, including relationships with local artists, universities, and tech enthusiasts, position me well to attract participants and collaborators. These partnerships also help ensure a diverse and inclusive environment, making the event more impactful.

iii. Understanding of Blockchain and Creative Industries: With a background in projects that blend technology and creativity, I am familiar with the challenges non-technical creatives face in accessing and utilizing blockchain technologies. This understanding allows me to design the event in a way that meets their needs effectively.

iv. Commitment to Open Source: The plan to open-source all outputs from the event showcases my commitment to transparency and collaboration. This aligns with the ethos of the Cardano community, promoting shared knowledge and resources.

VALIDATING FEASIBILITY

To ensure the feasibility of my approach, I will undertake the following steps:

i. Community Feedback: Prior to the event, I will engage with potential participants through surveys and discussions to understand their needs, expectations, and any concerns they may have. This input will help refine the event structure and ensure it aligns with the interests of the target audience.

ii. Pilot Workshops: I will conduct smaller workshops or meetups before the main event to serve as a testing ground for the concept. These sessions will help gauge interest and refine logistics while building excitement within the community.

iii. Resource Assessment: I will analyze the necessary resources (venue, materials, and budget) to ensure that they align with the project's goals and can be obtained without compromising quality.

iv. Engaging Experts: Involving blockchain and creative experts as advisors or mentors during the planning process will lend credibility and provide insights that enhance the project’s feasibility.

MANAGING FUNDS WITH TRUST AND ACCOUNTABILITY

i. Budget Transparency: We have developed a detailed budget outlining all expected expenses. This budget will be shared with stakeholders and participants to ensure transparency regarding how funds will be utilized.

ii. Financial Tracking: We have put in place, a dedicated financial tracking system (spreadsheets) which will record all income and expenses associated with the project. This will help maintain accurate financial records and provide clarity on fund allocation.

iii. Regular Reporting: We are committed to providing regular updates on the financial status of our project to key stakeholders and participants. This could include monthly or quarterly reports, depending on the project's timeline, to keep everyone informed.

iv. Post-Event Review: After the event, a comprehensive report (reflecting finances) will be prepared, detailing how funds were utilized and the outcomes achieved. This report will be shared with all participants and stakeholders to demonstrate accountability and the impact of their contributions.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone Name: Community Engagement and Participant Recruitment

Milestone Outputs:

i. A list of registered participants

ii. Marketing materials (flyers, social media posts, and event pages)

iii. Feedback reports from preliminary discussions and surveys

Acceptance Criteria:

i. At least 50 participants registered by the registration deadline

ii. Positive feedback (at least 70% satisfaction) from community engagement activities

iii. Marketing materials disseminated across at least three platforms (social media, local art networks, and university channels)

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

i. Registration data showing the number of participants

ii. Copies or screenshots of marketing materials used

iii. Summary report of community feedback and engagement sessions

Milestone Name: Event Logistics and Resource Preparation

Milestone Outputs:

i. A finalized event plan including the agenda

ii. Confirmed venue and resource bookings (technology setups, materials)

iii. Supply lists and material procurement confirmations

Acceptance Criteria:

i. Venue secured and confirmed

ii. All materials and resources procured and organized prior to the event

iii. Event plan approved by key stakeholders or organizing team

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

i. Signed venue contract and communication with the venue

ii. Finalized event agenda shared with stakeholders

Milestone Name: Execution of the Cardano Creative Hack Event

Milestone Outputs:

i. Documentation of participant engagement (photos, feedback)

ii. A collection of the creative outputs produced during the event

iii. Preliminary assessment report of participant satisfaction

Acceptance Criteria:

i. Participants attend the event

ii. Collection of creative outputs from all teams or individuals

iii. Participant feedback indicating a satisfaction rate of 80% or higher

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

i. Attendance records and participant sign-in sheets

ii. Documented creative outputs (photographs, digital files of artwork)

iii. Summary of participant feedback through surveys conducted post-event

Milestone Name: Project Close-out Report and Video Documentation

Milestone Outputs:

i. A comprehensive Project Close-out Report detailing outcomes, financial summary, and lessons learned

ii. A video summarizing the event highlights, showcasing participant creations, and testimonials

Acceptance Criteria:

i. Close-out report delivered within two weeks of the event

ii. Video documentation completed and shared within the same timeframe

iii. Report and video receive approval from key stakeholders or project sponsors

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

i. Finalized Project Close-out Report distributed to stakeholders

ii. Link to the published video shared on social media and relevant platforms

iii. Feedback on the report and video from participants and stakeholders

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

1. CLEMENT UMOH - Project Lead/Manager

As project lead, I will be responsible for overseeing the overall execution of the Cardano Creative Hack, ensuring that each phase is completed on time, within budget, and according to the project goals. With my experiences in leadership and team management as well as organizing community-focused events within the tech and creative sectors, I will coordinate the team, manages logistics, engage stakeholders, and ensures clear communication between all parties.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clement-umoh-500133241

2. VERA MOHIE - Creative Director/Art Facilitator and Marketing/Communications Lead

Miss Vera Mohie holds a bachelors degree in Mass communication and public engagement with numerous volunteering and social engagement experiences at reputable organizations such as the International Red Society where she has headed their communications unit at various regional and local levels. She possesses exceptionally strong interpersonal skills, community management experience, social media expertise, communication abilities as well as widespread understanding of blockchain communities and various other creative ecosystems.

She will be responsible for curating the creative vision of the event. Along with the Volunteer team, she will work directly with artists, designers, and creative participants to guide their creative outputs, ensuring that the artworks produced during the event align with our Creative Jam's theme and objectives. Additionally, she will be responsible for building and nurturing a vibrant online community, facilitating user interactions, managing feedback loops, fostering collaboration, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and promoting community engagement, growth, and retention.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-mohie-4356791

3. JANET ODEY - Technical Coordinator/Blockchain Specialist

Miss Janet Odey is a full stark developer and software engineer with widespread understanding of the tech ecosystem. She is the co-founder Scephtech, co-founder HIESMEDIC, a TECHNOVATION regional ambassador and a Ford Foundation alumni. She is proficient in software development, experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), blockchain technology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and user experience design. Additionally, she shows great expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, content creation, blockchain fundamentals & technology as well as pedagogical best practices

She will be responsible for ensuring that the technological aspect of our Creative Jam runs smoothly, specifically focusing on integrating Cardano’s blockchain and AI components into the creative process. She will also provide support for any tech-related issues and guide participants on how to utilize blockchain technology effectively during the event.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-odey-127375159/

Our team combines strategic leadership, artistic expertise, and technical knowledge, ensuring that both the creative and technical components of the Cardano Creative Hack will be seamlessly integrated. Together, we will ensure the successful execution of the event and delivery of high-quality outcomes.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Cost Breakdown for Cardano Creative Hack (40,000 ADA Budget)

A. Event Logistics and Venue (14,000 ADA)

i. Venue Rental (2 Days): 5,000 ADA - this Covers the cost of a space large enough to accommodate participants, including utilities (electricity, internet, etc.).

ii. Equipment Rental: 2,500 ADA - this takes care of projectors, sound system, Wi-Fi setup, and any other technical equipment required for presentations and workshops.

iii. Materials and Supplies: 4,500 ADA - will be used for procuring art supplies (e.g., canvases, paints, brushes, sketch pads) and any tech resources required for creative outputs.

iv. Food and Refreshments: 1,000 ADA - will be used to provide meals and drinks for participants and organizers over the two-day event.

B. Publicity, Marketing, and Community Engagement (6,000 ADA)

i. Marketing and Promotions: 2,500 ADA - will cover costs related to online and offline marketing campaigns (social media ads, flyers, posters, local event listings).

ii. Influencer/Community Ambassador Stipends: 2,000 ADA - will be used to engage local art influencers and community leaders to promote the event within their networks.

iii. Community Engagement Sessions: 1,500 ADA - will be channeled to hosting pre-event virtual roundtables, webinars, or small meetups to attract participants and build awareness.

C. Project Management and Coordination (6,500 ADA)

i. Project Manager Salary (1 Month): 2,000 ADA - will serve as compensation for the Project Manager to oversee the event, manage stakeholders, and ensure project goals are met.

ii. Administrative Support and Coordination: 2,000 ADA - will serve as financial incentive for an assistant or administrative support to handle logistics, registration, and participant communication.

iii. Volunteer/Support Staff Stipends: 2500 ADA - will be used as compensation for any on-site staff or volunteers helping with setup, management, and execution of the event.

4. Creative and Technical Support (8,000 ADA)

i. Creative Director/Facilitator: 3,000 ADA - will serve as compensation for the creative lead guiding participants through the creative process, ideation sessions, and final showcase.

ii. Blockchain Specialist/Tech Support: 2,500 ADA - will serve as compensation for our blockchain expert to provide technical assistance, demonstrate how to integrate Cardano into creative outputs, and ensure smooth integration of AI/blockchain elements.

iii. Guest Speakers/Workshop Facilitators: 2,500 ADA - will be geared towards engaging industry experts to give talks or run workshops during the event.

5. Documentation, Reporting, and Open-Source Management (3,500 ADA)

i. Project Documentation and Close-out Report: 500 ADA - will be dedicated towards providing a comprehensive reporting on the event, including outcomes, lessons learned, and financial tracking.

ii. Event Video Production: 2,000 ADA - will be used to hire a professional videographer/editor to capture and produce a highlights video and document the creative process.

iii. Open-Source Materials Management: 1,000 ADA - these funds will be directed towards preparing and uploading all creative outputs to an open-source platform, ensuring proper documentation and accessibility.

6. Contingency Fund (3,000 ADA) - We have reserved these funds to to cover any unexpected costs or emergencies that arise during the planning or execution of the event (additional supplies, last-minute rentals, etc.).

Total Budget: 40,000 ADA

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

COST JUSTIFICATION

Each item on our previously stated budget has been carefully considered to maximize impact while ensuring responsible use of funds.

Funds allocated for Venue and Logistics will ensure a professional, well-organized event that can host a diverse group of participants. This will also be used for providing necessary materials and supplies allows artists and designers to fully engage in the creative process without barriers. The inclusion of food and refreshments will also enhance the overall experience of our participants.

Also, funds allocated to Publicity, Marketing, and Community Engagement will enable us execute a strategic marketing campaign that ensures broad visibility, attracting not only participants but also a wider audience of creatives and art enthusiasts. The reach gained through effective marketing helps Cardano expand its footprint in new, non-technical sectors, introducing blockchain to a diverse audience. This will increase awareness and participation within the creative industry, highlighting Cardano as a versatile and inclusive platform.

VALUE FOR CARDANO ECOSYSTEM

This project targets the creative community, a sector often underrepresented in blockchain adoption. Considering this project's objective of providing a platform for creatives to explore Cardano, the event bridges the gap between technology and art, opening up new opportunities for blockchain use cases in the creative economy.

In the same vein, this event will generate content (artworks, videos, stories) that showcases the innovative and creative possibilities of Cardano’s blockchain. This will not only engage participants but also attract external attention, bringing more artists, designers, and non-technical audiences into the ecosystem and in a long run, build a Community and an awareness around Cardano

Also, Open-sourcing our project’s outputs ensures the event’s impact continues well after it concludes. The Cardano community can build on the outcomes of the event, integrating them into future projects, further boosting the ecosystem’s development.

Finally, our clear focus on community engagement, skill-building, and creative output, we have ensured that each expense is designed to maximize both immediate and long-term benefits. This ensures that the 40,000 ADA ask delivers tangible outcomes while positioning Cardano as a platform that encourages collaboration, creativity, and inclusive growth.