COZ brought non-fungible item technology to the DENVER WALLS festival, which ran from September 22 to October 3. Denver’s River North neighborhood, a neighborhood already known for its vibrant murals and street art landscapes, was ground zero for the event, which showcased a potential future where blockchain technology can enhance public art experiences.
DENVER WALLS consists of 17 murals spread throughout the city’s RiNo area, some painted by local artists, such as Detour And Casey Kawaguchiand others by international muralists brought in for the event, such as Nychos And Squid Licker. Each mural has a corresponding bronze plaque embedded with ITEM Systems NFI technology, created in collaboration between COZ and AxLabs, allowing customers to interact with the art in ways beyond just viewing the murals.
In a interview with BlocksterCOZ CEO Tyler Adams said, “Through this convergence of blockchain and art, we are presenting Denver as an inclusive haven for those pushing the boundaries of digital expression, firmly positioning the city as a leader in digital innovation.”
Bridging art and technology through NFI
There are two ways to use mobile devices to interact with the plaques. The first is to scan the QR code, which then takes the user to a website where they can learn more about the artist, connect with them on social media, and view a map showing the locations of all DENVER WALLS murals. Interacting with the art via the QR code has at least some advantages: the technology is well-known and works quickly and easily, provided the user is connected to the Internet.
However, QR scanning is not as secure or robust as the second method: “tapping” the NFI transmitter embedded in the plaque. By simply touching the plaque with their mobile device, users can access the same information provided by QR scans, with the added benefit of being able to ‘prove’ that they visited the mural they overheard. While QR codes can be photographed and sent to anyone, the user must be physically present to use the tapping functionality. This will become more important in the future of the RiNo district as the COZ team implements plans to work with local businesses on marketing initiatives. For example, companies can offer exclusive offers or discounts to customers who have physically visited all 17 murals. The NFI technology, in combination with the Neo blockchain, will provide the framework and evidence needed for such an initiative, where QR scanning falls short.
These physical activations of digital technology gamify mural exploration, combining aesthetic appreciation with digital rewards and strengthening the connection between art, technology and the viewer. The NFI role will not only deepen engagement with the arts, but will also symbiotically support local commerce, interweaving community, technology and art in a seamless and mutually beneficial experience.
“The goal of DENVER WALLS is to rejuvenate our urban environments and enhance Denver’s reputation for artistic expression and community,” explains Ally Grimm in an interview with nft now. Grimm, a Denver artist (aka AL Grime) and DENVER WALLS organizer added: “Working with the COZ team to incorporate a digital element into each mural that supports local businesses and enriches the viewer experience was a no-brainer when the opportunity arose occurred.”
Origin of the collaboration and looking to the future
The opportunity arose when COZ and DENVER WALLS first met at Consensus 2023 in April, where Grimm visited the Neo booth with DENVER WALLS media marketing manager Sage Storm. When she went through the A band, Grimm and Storm started thinking about how they could implement similar technology for their upcoming mural festival. From there, the vision emerged that NFI technology would become part of DENVER WALLS.
This first blending of NFI technology and street art is not just a festival; it is a progressive blueprint that illustrates the multifaceted benefits and possibilities embedded in the convergence of technology, art and community. And even as the team wraps up its activities for this year’s event (at the time of this writing, 12 of the 17 plaques have been installed), COZ and DENVER WALLS are looking to the future. Plans are underway for the 2024 edition of DENVER WALLS, which will likely see additional ITEM Systems NFI-embedded plaques installed for a new fleet of murals.
The integration of ITEM Systems technology into the DENVER WALLS festival serves as a prototype and showcases the possibilities that arise from the fusion of art and blockchain technology. The effort goes beyond just showing off the technology; it creates a framework in which blockchain and art can merge to enhance real, tangible experiences for communities and artists alike.