Paris Hilton Backs NFT Nonprofit To Fund Artists Who Want To Create Crypto Art
Image via Tim Kang
In order for artists to get their digital artworks out into cyberspace, they usually have to pay a rather pricey fee to mint their non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which not many can afford.
Now, artists can apply for the Seven Genesis Grant, funded by 28-year-old software engineer and NFT collector Tim Kang and celebrity heiress Paris Hilton.
Just last week, the Seven Genesis Grant launched its first exhibition and sale, featuring works from 317 digital artists hailing from 60 countries.
Kang first announced the grant in January, receiving over 700 applications in just two days. The idea came to him when he realized rising ‘gas’ fees (fees to mint NFTs) were a barrier to entry for artists.
“At the time, gas fees were starting to hit like a hundred dollars. That’s so much money for some people. I just wanted to make sure that there is opportunity for anyone out there, no matter where you are or what kind of background you have,” said Kang, as per Artnet News.
To date, Kang has invested approximately US$25,000 of his own money to fund the Seven Genesis Grant. He is now working with donors, including Hilton, who will guest curate the firm’s next show, Empowered, focusing on female artists.
“Paris is very kind and genuine. She’s the perfect person to do this women’s empowerment exhibition,” Kang explained.
Aside from funding artists’ minting fees, Kang says the Seven Gensis Grant is also a way to present curated NFT exhibitions. Going forward, he hopes to structure its grant programs to provide educational resources and tools to artists who lack funds.
To find out more, visit the site here.
[via Artnet News, cover image via Tim Kang]
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