The 888 Inner Artist Initiative FAQ

This document was created to clarify what we do at the 888 Inner Artist Initiative (IAI). We will attempt to keep it updated. Please note that the content of this document was created by humans, but the wording of this document was assisted by AI.

What is the 888 Inner Artist Initiative (IAI)?

The 888 Inner Artist Initiative (IAI) is an effort that was created and driven by members of the 888 Inner Circle, which is a global, tokenized membership club that was founded by 888, the anonymous art collector. IAI is not just a single program. Rather, it is a comprehensive and ever-increasing set of efforts and endeavors designed to celebrate, empower, and support artists. Its goal is to meet the various needs of various artists, in a wide variety of ways, wherever they may be on their artistic journey.

The mental model used for this “comprehensive and ever-increasing set of efforts and endeavors” is a team of superheroes. Each of these heroes is unique and autonomous, but is also equipped with its own set of capabilities specifically tailored to support artists in varied and impactful ways. United in purpose yet distinct in function, these endeavors collectively form a cohesive force aimed at uplifting and empowering the artistic community. This synergy ensures that, regardless of where an artist might find themselves on their creative journey, there is a facet of our initiative designed to meet their needs and propel them forward.

What is the current roster of “efforts and endeavors” being worked on by the 888 Inner Artist Initiative?

The current roster of “efforts and endeavors” within the 888 Inner Artist Initiative reflects our commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive platform for artists to grow, showcase their work, and engage with a supportive community. As of now, our initiatives include:

1. Weekly Celebration of Art: An ongoing weekly event where artists can submit their work for a chance to be curated, voted on, and potentially purchased by the 888 Inner Circle. This initiative is open to all artists and requires no token purchase or Discord membership for participation.

2. Verified Inner Artist Role: This role is awarded to artists who successfully apply and are verified within our community. It offers special privileges on our Discord server, including access to exclusive channels where artists can network, share their work, and access unique opportunities for growth and exposure.

3. IAI Discord Channels: A suite of Discord channels designed to foster community engagement, share announcements, and provide a space for artists to showcase their work. While some channels are open to the broader 888 Inner Circle community, Verified Inner Artists enjoy special access and privileges across this platform. Channels include announcements-iai, verified-artist-chat, community-gallery, artist-spotlight, and archives, each serving a distinct purpose in supporting and celebrating our artists.

4. Artist Display and Spotlight Opportunities: A series of opportunities for artists to have their work displayed in various mediums and venues. This includes both digital spaces like our monthly IAI Medium update and exhibitions at IRL/metaverse events. Artists also have the chance to be featured in IAI Twitter Spaces, artist spotlight profiles, and as the banner artist of the month, offering widespread visibility.

5. Build with Artists: An effort that emphasizes our collaborative approach, inviting artists to share their input and ideas to shape the future of the IAI. Our mantra is, “We are not just building IAI for artists; we are building IAI with artists.” This ensures our efforts remain aligned with the needs and aspirations of the artists we aim to support.

Each of these initiatives serves as a unique pillar within the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, working independently to support artists in different aspects of their career while collectively contributing to a comprehensive support system. Just like a team of superheroes, each endeavor brings its own strengths and specialties to the table, ensuring that artists at any stage of their journey can find support, community, and opportunities to thrive.

Can you tell me more about the Weekly Celebration of Art?

The Weekly Celebration of Art is a cornerstone endeavor of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, designed to showcase the diversity and talent of artists globally. This initiative is open to all artists, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity and support for the artistic community at large. For comprehensive details on this endeavor, including the rules, guidelines, and procedures, we’ve prepared a separate document available here: https://medium.com/@888innercircle/the-888-inner-artist-initiative-rules-guidelines-and-policies-for-our-weekly-celebration-of-art-612e1df056e1

In brief, the Weekly Celebration of Art unfolds through a four-phase process designed to be accessible to all artists, ensuring there’s no barrier to entry in terms of needing a specific role or Discord membership:

1. Submission (Phase 1): Begins with an open call on Twitter, inviting artists to submit their work without the need for any prior application or Discord participation.

2. Curation (Phase 2): Features a mix of guest curators and IAI Team selections, with an element of randomness to ensure diversity and reduce bias, totaling 24 artworks each week.

3. Voting (Phase 3): Involves the Inner 8 voting on curated artworks, integrating community preferences into the selection process.

4. Purchase (Phase 4): Artworks selected based on voting and within budget are added to the IAI Project Vault, with a careful consideration of diverse “purchase eligibility” factors.

This approach not only reaffirms the IAI’s commitment to artist support but also highlights our dedication to collaborating with the artist community. We invite every artist, regardless of background or career stage, to participate, offering a platform for visibility, engagement, and community support — even for those artworks not purchased. Through this initiative, we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where all artists can showcase their talent and find support within a like-minded community.

Can you tell me more about the Verified Inner Artist role?

The Verified Inner Artist role is integral to fostering a vibrant, interactive environment where artists can connect, share insights, and access unique opportunities tailored to their growth and exposure. We currently have many hundreds of Verified Inner Artists in our community.

Applicants interested in applying for the Verified Inner Artist role can apply here: https://forms.gle/hbNkG5SMxXx3Fnv6A

Please note that absolutely no token purchase is necessary to receive the Verified Inner Artist role. However, as the primary benefit of the role is to gain certain benefits on our Discord Server, it will be required for applicants to join our Discord Server (invite link found here https://linktr.ee/888InnerCircle) and also gain the “Community” role by proving that they are human in our verify-to-access-server channel.

Please also note that the Verified Inner Artist role is separate and unique from the Weekly Celebration of Art. Artists do not need the Verified Inner Artist role to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Art.

Key Features of the Verified Inner Artist Role:

- Exclusive Access and Privileges: Artists awarded this role gain special access to dedicated channels on our Discord server. These channels are designed to encourage networking, collaboration, and sharing among verified artists, offering a more secure space for creative exchange and support.

- Application Process: As stated above, to become a Verified Inner Artist, applicants must 1) apply via the link above; 2) join our Discord Server; and 3) obtain the “community” role by verifying that they are human. We take different factors into consideration when considering applications. However, we generally do not vet for “quality” of art, which is subjective. Rather, our application is aimed at identifying artists committed to their craft and journey, ensuring a community of genuine, engaged creatives. We will sometimes also take into account our goal of representing a wide variety of different types of art. Generally, we try to review all applications within a week or two.

- Benefits: Beyond access to exclusive channels, Verified Inner Artists receive invitations to participate in specialized programs, showcases, and spotlight opportunities. These include features in our IAI Medium updates, the chance to be highlighted in artist spotlights, and potential involvement in digital and physical exhibitions.

- Community Engagement: The role enhances artists’ ability to engage with the broader 888 Inner Circle community, including participating in dialogues, collaborations, and feedback sessions that shape future directions. It underscores our mantra of building “with” artists, not just “for” them, by actively involving them in decision-making and evolution of the initiative.

- Ongoing Support: The Verified Inner Artist role is not just a status but a commitment from the 888 Inner Artist Initiative to support and elevate artists. This includes promoting their work, offering educational resources, and facilitating opportunities for increased visibility through our networks and events.

For artists, obtaining the Verified Inner Artist role represents a significant step toward integrating more deeply with a community that values their work and journey. It’s about joining a supportive network that amplifies their voice and art, providing platforms for their talent to be recognized and celebrated.

Can you tell me more about the IAI Discord Channels?

The IAI Discord Channels are a dynamic part of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, designed to foster a sense of community, collaboration, and support among artists and members of the 888 Inner Circle. These channels serve as a virtual space for artists to engage with one another, share their work, and access exclusive content and opportunities tailored to their development and exposure within the art world.

Overview of the IAI Discord Channels:

- announcements-iai: This channel is where all important announcements related to the 888 Inner Artist Initiative are made. It keeps community members updated on upcoming events, new endeavors, and changes within the initiative.

- verified-artist-chat: Exclusively accessible to Verified Inner Artists (other than a small number of exceptions, like moderators and certain guests), this channel allows for in-depth discussions, networking, and collaboration among verified members. It’s a space for artists to share experiences, seek advice, and support each other’s growth.

- community-gallery: A showcase channel where Verified Inner Artists can post certain links (yes Twitter/X, Instagram, major marketplace links; no Discord links or mint sites, for security reasons) to their art, making it visible to the broader 888 Inner Circle community. This gallery helps artists gain exposure and allows community members to discover new art and artists.

- artist-spotlight: Dedicated to highlighting individual artists and their journey, this channel allows for artists to create their own “artist spotlight profile” interviews, where they can share stories about themselves, their art, and their achievements. It’s an opportunity for artists to share their background, inspiration, and process with the community. We will often draw from these profile interviews to spotlight artists in other contexts, such as in our monthly updates or if we need information to introduce them at an event.

- archives: A repository of valuable resources, links, and information relevant to the 888 Inner Artist Initiative. This channel helps members easily find important content and reference materials.

-curation: This channel is hidden to most members. We will grant our weekly guest curators temporary access to this channel to share their curation selections.

Can you tell me more about the Artist Display and Spotlight Opportunities?

The Artist Display and Spotlight Opportunities are a critical component of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, dedicated to elevating artists’ work and fostering widespread recognition within and beyond our community. This multi-faceted approach ensures artists from all backgrounds have the chance to showcase their talents through various platforms and mediums, both digital and physical. Here’s an overview of these opportunities:

Digital Spaces:

- Monthly IAI Medium Update: Our updates on Medium serve as a digital exhibition space where selected artists’ works and stories are featured. This platform offers broad visibility, reaching an audience interested in the arts and blockchain technology. Here is a sample update from the end of 2023, which features all of the art we purchased that year: https://medium.com/@888innercircle/the-888-inner-artist-initiative-december-2023-update-year-end-review-28f320f3c603”

- IAI Twitter Spaces: Regularly scheduled Twitter Spaces provide artists with a live platform to discuss their work, processes, and artistic visions. It’s an interactive way to engage with the community and gain followers.

- Artist Spotlight Profiles: Artists have the opportunity to create detailed profiles that delve into their personal journeys, inspirations, and the stories behind their art. These profiles are not only shared within our community but also used in various external communications to spotlight our artists.

Physical and Metaverse Exhibitions:

- IRL Exhibitions: We aim to provide artists with the opportunity to display their works in real-life settings, offering them exposure to art lovers, collectors, and the general public. Here is an example of one IRL exhibition opportunity that we provided to artists: https://medium.com/@888innercircle/the-888-inner-artist-initiative-august-2023-update-barcelona-special-edition-b90202db1f2f

- Metaverse Displays: We also aim to provide artists with the opportunity to display their works in metaverse settings. These metaverse exhibitions reach a global audience, transcending geographical limitations and offering a unique, immersive way to experience art. Here is an example of a metaverse opportunity that we participated in, where we collaborated with an artist SUPERCOMMUNITY: https://medium.com/@888innercircle/the-888-inner-artist-initiative-march-april-2024-update-25ad22e5cc06

Special Features:

- Banner Artist of the Month: Every month, we select an artist to design the banner for our IAI monthly updates. This special opportunity allows the chosen artist to display their creativity and style in a way that introduces and sets the tone for our monthly communication with the community. As a token of appreciation and to further spotlight their talent, we dedicate an in-depth segment of that month’s update to feature the artist. This segment may draw upon their artist spotlight profile, providing insights into their inspirations, artistic journey, and body of work. Being the Banner Artist of the Month not only offers the artist significant exposure within our community but also highlights their contributions to the vibrant tapestry of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative.

- Spotlight on Artists in IAI Communications: Our communications strategy includes regularly featuring artists, ensuring their work receives ongoing promotion within our extensive network and reaches audiences far and wide. We’re actively working to broaden the channels and platforms we use for communication, which in turn amplifies the visibility and recognition we can offer artists. This concerted effort to enhance our communication reach is designed to elevate the artists we feature, providing them with greater exposure and opportunities in the art world and beyond.

Verified Inner Artists seeking details on how to engage with these opportunities or wishing to stay informed about upcoming exhibitions and special features are invited to connect with our community through the verified-artist-chat and announcements-iai channels on Discord, or by following us on Twitter. Staying active and connected within these channels not only keeps you informed about the latest opportunities but also embeds you deeper into the heart of our dynamic and evolving artist community. This continuous exchange fosters a vibrant and supportive environment, ensuring you’re always in the loop and fully equipped to seize the opportunities that arise.

Can you tell me more about Build with Artists?

“Build with Artists” is an essential philosophy and program within the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, deeply rooted in the belief that the most impactful and enduring artistic communities are co-created with the artists themselves. This effort is not just about providing opportunities for artists; it’s about actively involving them in the evolution and direction of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative. Here’s are some things that it encompasses:

Collaborative Development:

- Community Input: We actively seek and incorporate feedback, ideas, and aspirations from our community of artists. Whether it’s through discussions in our Discord channels, responses to our communications, or direct engagement in community meetings, every artist’s voice has the potential to shape our future.

- Co-creation Opportunities: Artists are invited to participate in special projects, collaborations, and events that not only showcase their work but also allow them to contribute to the cultural and operational fabric of the Initiative. This could range from contributing to the design of community spaces, both virtual and physical, to participating in focus groups, to leading workshops or talks that share knowledge and skills with fellow artists.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

- Feedback Loops: Regular surveys, feedback sessions, and open forums are conducted to gather insights from artists on their experiences, the effectiveness of our programs, and areas for improvement or innovation.

- Evolutionary Programming: The Initiative is committed to an evolutionary approach to its programming and offerings, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of artistic innovation and support. By building with artists, we stay agile, adapting our strategies and programs to meet emerging artistic challenges and opportunities.

“Build with Artists” is more than a program; it’s a guiding principle that acknowledges the inherent value of artists not only as creators but as co-creators of the ecosystems that support and celebrate their work. It’s about moving beyond transactional relationships to foster a deeply integrated, mutually beneficial community where artists are empowered to shape their paths to visibility, engagement, and success.

What do you have planned for the future?

Looking ahead, the 888 Inner Artist Initiative is excited to explore new horizons and deepen our engagement with the artistic community. While we’re always dreaming up new ways to support and celebrate artists, we’re currently laying the groundwork for several innovative projects and enhancements to our existing programs. These efforts are designed to further enrich the artist experience, provide additional platforms for exposure and dialogue, and strengthen the bonds within our community.

Though it’s a bit early to unveil all the specifics, we are committed to evolving our initiatives in response to the needs and aspirations of our artists. This includes creating more interactive spaces for feedback and collaboration, expanding our reach and impact through various media, and exploring meaningful ways to connect our Verified Inner Artists with the broader 888 Inner Circle community. Each step we take is guided by our foundational belief in building *with* artists, ensuring that our future endeavors not only reflect our community’s desires but also propel our collective journey forward.

Stay tuned to our channels for updates and announcements as these plans start to take shape. We’re excited about what the future holds and are grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey with you.

For more information, please go to https://linktr.ee/888InnerCircle.