Cardano Artists: A Seasonal Art Competition in Ethiopia

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

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

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

Cardano Artists is an inclusive seasonal art competition in Ethiopia, embracing both classical and digital art forms. It promotes youth creativity while rewarding winners.

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

[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?

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

The project will be fully open source to ensure transparency and community participation. All resources will be shared publicly to foster collaboration and encourage the involvement of artists from various backgrounds.

[METADATA] Horizons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

In Ethiopia, there is a wealth of artistic talent among youth; however, many aspiring artists lack platforms to showcase their work and receive recognition. Traditional art competitions often exclude digital artists and do not leverage modern technology to reach a wider audience. Additionally, without proper incentives, young artists may struggle to find motivation to pursue their passion.

Cardano Artists: A Seasonal Art Competition aims to create an inclusive and innovative platform that celebrates artistic expression across various mediums, including both classical and digital art forms. This project will host an art competition 3 times a year, culminating in a showcase of the top 10 winners in each round.

The competition will operate primarily through social media, utilizing platforms like TikTok and Facebook to scout talent and encourage participation from diverse backgrounds. The winners will receive rewards in ADA, promoting cryptocurrency use and enhancing the visibility of the Cardano ecosystem within the broader youth community.

Key Features of the Competition:

Inclusivity:

Open to all forms of artistic expression, from classical painting to digital art and mixed media, ensuring broad participation across different artistic disciplines.

Scouting through Social Media:

Competitors will be discovered through engaging campaigns on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, enabling an efficient recruitment process that targets youth and underrepresented artists.

Seasonal Competitions:

The competition will be held in 3 rounds, allowing for fresh themes and prompts that encourage ongoing creativity and artistic exploration throughout the year.

ADA Rewards:

Winners will be awarded ADA coins as prizes, fostering interest in cryptocurrency and ensuring that artists are compensated for their creativity.

Open Source Framework:

The project will maintain an open-source approach, allowing community members to contribute ideas, develop tools, and participate in the organization of the competition.

Judging and Community Engagement:

A panel of judges consisting of local artists, educators, and community leaders will evaluate submissions based on creativity, technique, and relevance to the competition theme. Community voting will also play a role in selecting winners, promoting engagement and participation.

Target Stakeholders:

Aspiring Artists:

Young and emerging artists looking for platforms to showcase their work and receive recognition, particularly those who may not have access to traditional avenues for artistic expression.

Art Enthusiasts and Collectors:

Individuals interested in discovering new talent and supporting local artists. The competition will also engage art collectors interested in purchasing artwork directly from participants.

Educational Institutions:

Partnerships with schools and universities will foster collaboration and encourage student participation, enhancing educational opportunities for aspiring artists.

The Cardano Community:

The project aims to increase awareness and adoption of ADA among youth, promoting the cryptocurrency as a viable means of reward and transaction within the creative community.

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

The project will have a significant impact on the Cardano community by increasing ADA transaction volumes through prize distributions, enhancing liquidity, and raising the blockchain’s visibility in the market. It also aims to engage a younger demographic, introducing them to the benefits of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, ultimately fostering a new generation of Cardano enthusiasts. Additionally, by showcasing Ethiopia's artistic talent, the initiative will position Cardano as a supporter of cultural and creative endeavors, enhancing its reputation as a champion of innovation.

This initiative will directly benefit young artists by offering them visibility, recognition, and rewards for their work, motivating them to pursue their artistic careers. The Cardano ecosystem will also gain from this effort, as it promotes ADA within a creative context, driving adoption and demonstrating the cryptocurrency’s versatility beyond financial applications. Furthermore, the competition will enrich Ethiopia's cultural landscape by celebrating diverse artistic expressions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts, and uniting communities through shared creative experiences.

How We Will Prove Our Impact:

Participation Metrics:

• Track the number of artists participating in each competition round and the diversity of submissions across various artistic disciplines.

ADA Transactions:

• Measure the volume of ADA distributed as rewards to winners, showcasing the integration of cryptocurrency within the local art community.

Community Engagement:

• Monitor engagement on social media platforms, including likes, shares, and comments on competition entries to assess community interest and participation.

Feedback and Surveys:

• Collect feedback from participants and the audience after each competition round to evaluate the impact of the initiative on local artists and community engagement.

[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?

The project team brings together individuals with expertise in blockchain technology, social media marketing, event organization, and community engagement, creating a solid foundation for the Cardano Artists initiative. Although specific team roles are still being finalized, their experience in organizing competitions and managing digital platforms is expected to ensure the project's smooth execution. The team's familiarity with the Cardano ecosystem and their plan to utilize ADA as a reward mechanism demonstrate a deep understanding of blockchain’s potential to enhance community engagement and liquidity. Additionally, the project's open-source framework reflects a strong commitment to transparency and collaboration, inviting contributions from developers and community members, which in turn strengthens trust and the project's adaptability.

The team's strategy to use social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for talent scouting and community engagement is a forward-thinking approach that aligns well with modern marketing techniques aimed at youth. By involving local artists, educators, and community leaders as judges, the project emphasizes inclusivity and credibility, encouraging broad community participation and diverse perspectives. Their focus on leveraging ADA as a reward mechanism further highlights their capability to integrate cryptocurrency into creative and non-financial contexts, which is essential for increasing blockchain adoption among younger audiences.

Feasibility Assessment for Cardano Artists

The reliance on social media for participant recruitment and engagement makes the project's technical approach highly feasible, given the accessibility and popularity of these platforms among the target demographic. This method minimizes the need for substantial infrastructure investments while keeping pace with current digital trends. Cardano's scalability and low transaction fees provide an ideal platform for frequent ADA transactions, ensuring a seamless reward distribution process for competition winners. The open-source nature of the project further guarantees that technical development can continuously evolve with input from the community, reducing the risk of software stagnation or technological challenges.

The project’s budget of 61,000 ADA is meticulously structured, with funds allocated to platform development, marketing, competition rewards, community engagement, and contingency needs. This comprehensive allocation ensures that all critical aspects of the project receive adequate financial support. Including a contingency fund highlights the team's proactive approach to risk management, ensuring the project's momentum is maintained even in the face of unexpected challenges. Significant resources dedicated to social media campaigns underscore a strategic focus on outreach, maximizing artist participation and community engagement.

Market and Community Impact Feasibility

The Cardano Artists project addresses Ethiopia’s high unemployment rate by creating platforms for young artists to showcase their work, gain recognition, and earn a stable income, contributing to a meaningful social impact. By positioning ADA within the framework of a creative competition, the initiative not only promotes the cryptocurrency but also demonstrates its applicability beyond financial transactions, encouraging broader adoption across different sectors. Partnering with educational institutions and engaging with art communities fosters a deeper cultural appreciation while solidifying Cardano’s reputation as a supporter of both local and international artistic talent.

What Makes Cardano Artists Unique:

Innovative Use of Technology:

The project integrates modern technology with traditional artistic expression, creating a unique platform that leverages social media for recruitment and community engagement.

Focus on Inclusivity:

Unlike traditional art competitions, Cardano Artists embraces both classical and digital forms of art, welcoming diverse artistic expressions and styles.

Cryptocurrency as Rewards:

Providing ADA as a reward not only incentivizes participation but also promotes the use of cryptocurrency among the youth, encouraging them to explore and learn about blockchain technology.

Open Source Collaboration:

The open-source nature of the project invites community participation in both the competition and the development of tools and resources, fostering a collaborative artistic ecosystem.

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

Planning and platform development (Month 1):

• Finalize project details, guidelines for participation, and promotional materials. Establish a general platform.

Social Media Campaign Launch (Month 2):

• Launch social media campaigns to scout competitors across TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Engage local influencers to reach a broader audience.

First Competition Round (Months 3-4):

• Conduct the first competition, collect submissions, and implement judging criteria. Ensure transparent voting processes, including community voting for audience engagement.

Winners Announcement and Rewards Distribution (Month 5):

• Announce the winners of the first round and distribute ADA rewards. Collect feedback from participants and the audience to assess the competition's impact.

Subsequent Competition Rounds (Months 6-12):

• Repeat the competition for another two rounds, refining the approach based on feedback from previous round. Adjust marketing strategies and engagement efforts to maximize participation.

Final Review and Reporting (End of Year):

• Compile reports on participation metrics, ADA transactions, community engagement, and feedback collected throughout the year. Share results with the Cardano community and stakeholders.

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

Dawit Wujra

Project Leader 

Bachelor in Architecture and Urban planning 

Yeabsira Abebe

Fullstack developer 

BSC in software engineering 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qMDUAicpqhvLqajA7AIFeuZDs4J7Pgi4/view?usp=drive_link

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeabsira-abebe-b1705723b/

Dagim Tizazu

Fullstack developer 

BSC in software engineering 

https://my-portfolio-two-tau-95.vercel.app/ 

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

Budget Breakdown:

• Operational Costs: 4,000 ADA
• Platform Development and Maintenance: 6,000 ADA
• Marketing and Promotion: 3,500 ADA
• Social Media Campaigns: 7,500 ADA

• Rewards for Competition Winners:
• ADA Rewards for Winners (10 winners per round, 3 rounds): 30,000 ADA

• Contingency Funds:
• Reserve for Unexpected Expenses: 10,000 ADA

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

Cardano Artists represents a strategic investment in fostering youth creativity and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. By integrating a seasonal art competition with blockchain technology, this project will generate significant ADA transactions, promote cultural enrichment, and provide invaluable opportunities for young artists. The budget is designed to maximize outreach and impact while ensuring transparency and accountability through an open-source framework.