Researching CNFTs at Uni of Oxford

Detailed Plan

The research project – mediating a novel (art) medium

Blockchain technology is introducing entirely new concepts and methods to art production. These changes exemplify how blockchain will reshape the society we live in. It is within our responsibility to own this change and steer it in the desired direction.

I am writing a Master's dissertation in Art History at the University of Oxford about CNFTs and blockchain as a new medium for art, using unsigned_algorithms as a case study. Link to ToC: <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r5kiiJqAWnsbAo0k-J8zaPhaNgixOSn8/view?usp=sharing>

This research is being done independently of PC funding. Catalyst funding will allow me to dedicate full time to the entire project and work on features in addition to the mandatory requirements which will specifically serve the CNFT community.

While Cardano is research-based, humanities have been mostly neglected so far – attributing me a pioneering role to represent Cardano in humanistic research, namely in the field of art history. This project can serve as the first pillar of an emerging research field.

Value for community

My research furthers academic recognition of blockchain technology in art history and the humanities. The University of Oxford is currently #5 on the global university rankings. Conducting research at an institution with such a reputation will be of great value for the (C)NFT / Cardano community.

Benefits for the community:

Contribution to basic research which represents Cardano in academia
Increased adoption & visibility of CNFT space
Educational tools and material for new joiners / non-technical people
Added value to CNFT projects

Challenge

The main challenge comprises easy-to-understand explanations for a non-technical audience on how blockchain technology works and what implications NFTs entail. The technology, but also its utility are complex and in most cases not tangible.

Having written material, on one hand, is crucial. In addition, explanatory visualizations will bring more clarity while representing the subject matter of art on-chain (researching CNFTs while using CNFTs as explanation). Possible examples of such real-time visualizations: epoch time, transaction volume, global distribution of network nodes, etc.

Action Plan

Research

The actual thesis will be written over the course of 3-4 months and submitted in Q2 2022.

Link to ToC: <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r5kiiJqAWnsbAo0k-J8zaPhaNgixOSn8/view?usp=sharing>

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The following items are meant in addition to the actual research. Funding will allow me to work full time on the research and create more material that is specifically designed for the community.

Regular exchanges with CNFT community

Presenting my own findings, but also gathering inputs and questions from the community. Having this dialogue is key for a contribution to basic research.

Besides that, I offer everyone to have private conversations, but I also engage with other creators and experts to increase the reach of my research.

Bringing information on chain

A conceptually elegant and striking solution when writing about a new medium is to make use of it at the same time. The following pieces of content will be refined and designed in a way that they can be minted as NFT on Cardano and used as educational material. Part of the content is text-based which will require a different solution than image-based NFTs.

On-chain content pieces:

Non-fungible visualizations: NFVs that exemplify discussed issues
Logbook: tracks work progress
Dissertation as CNFT: final dissertation
Stretch goal: virtual exhibition

Expected Timeline

now–February 2022

Literature review
Information gathering (interviews, surveys)
Regular community updates
Update logbook

March–April 2022

Writing process
Regular community updates
Update logbook

May 2022

Finalization
Thesis submission
Implementation thesis on-chain

June–July 2022

Publication of thesis in CNFT space
Minting thesis as NFT
Planning virtual exhibition (tbd)
Next steps

Beyond

Continued use of provided material
Goal: publish thesis as a research paper

Key Performance Metrics (qualitative) / Definition of Success

Increased awareness within academia: people start to understand the novelties blockchain technology will bring (to art scene & society)
Increased CNFT community engagement: active participation in discussions which serves as the basis for research
Increased adoption of Cardano: content produced during the course of this research project to understand the basics of blockchain technology / CNFT space in order to attract more people to the community

Target Demographic

CNFT community: artists, collectors and enthusiasts
Academic community
Art community outside crypto space
NFT community (Ethereum): artists, collectors and enthusiasts

Budget Breakdown

Own professional work:

1.5 working days/week over the course of half a year (equals the time currently spent on day job)

350 x $40 = $14,000

Developer:

8 working days for implementation of logbook, dissertation on-chain

60 x $50 = $3,000

Total: $17,000

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