Local Residents Tap Digital Art For Regional Revitalization
Some groups in Japan are tapping the power of digital art to revitalize their local communities.
They are creating and offering NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. That technology proves the authenticity of digital works and products.
Residents in Nagaoka City in central Japan started selling digital artworks using NFT technology last year. The items feature images of locally farmed carp.
The group uses some of the revenues to fund online events that connect local people with the art buyers.
The locals want their customers give them some ideas about how to energize their area.
The group's head says the benefits of NFTs continue after their purchase.
Acquiring the artworks makes the new owners eligible to join community activities.
NFTs are also playing a role in a government-backed program that grants tax benefits to people who donate to local areas.
Trustbank runs a website that matches donors and communities. It created NFT artworks of its promotional character late last year offering them to potential donors for free.
When the items are resold, the NFT technology allows Trustbank to receive part of the proceeds.
The company plans to use the money for a project that supports farmers and businesses that provide gifts of regional projects to the donors.