Future Proofing Creativity: Blockchain in the Creative Economy

Artist Credit: The Most High 1.1, Natasha Karungi, 2021 @kashushu

My participation in the recent Kampala edition of the Kampala Blockchain Summit has prompted me to think about the importance of the advocacy for new technology through dialogue, convening and sharing of experiences. A look into the emerging blockchain trends it is clear that is has the potential to revolutionise the buying and selling and authentication of creative works.

Blockchain for copyright protection in its own right is a compelling enough rationale to want to understand more for what it could mean to the growing creative economies across Africa.

New blockchain-based funding models for creative projects point towards innovative financing and a widening of consumer base that showcases creativity and drives new audiences. Joining a panel alongside the poet and lecturer Irene Esther Matuzo and Artist Natasha Karungi was revealing for thinking about ways the technology fosters inclusivity and improves accessibility to networks in the digital world to whom might otherwise be inaccessible via traditional routes of artistic connections for example. I was struck that it is easier for Natasha to engage with leading international galleries in the NFT space than it might be for a physical gallerist not only due to visas, access, costs and the movement of people consideration but by the sheer force of the convening power that NFT is showing it has- reducing barriers and bringing communities of interest of together. This is a game changer for diversifying creator generated content and access to creative careers.