John Wick star Keanu Reeves has partnered with Non-Fungible Labs, a New Zealand-based NFT and blockchain-based technology company as an advisor for a program named the Futureverse Foundation.
This foundation aims to improve “the digital and physical worlds through the support of diverse artists and creative communities.” In a report by The Hollywood Reporter, this involves the introduction of traditional artists to NFTs and funding their efforts.
Reeves said in a press release from the Futureverse Foundation, I am honored to be joining Non-Fungible Labs’ efforts in cooperation with Alexandra Grant for the extraordinary program and opportunity of the Futureverse Foundation, in support of artists and creators globally,” says Keanu Reeves.
Grant, a prolific artist, partner to Reeves as well an advisor to the foundation, was heavily featured in the announcement video released by Non-Fungible Labs to explain the new initiative.
A new economy for digital artists
As seen in the video, Grant talks about how NFTs can be used to bring artists into “a new possible economy.” This corresponds well with the foundation’s official website that describes the initiative as a mission to build “a metaverse where anyone can access and create in an open, rich, and diverse world.”
Grant commented in the same press release , “Funding for the arts is a challenge for every artist and arts non-profit. Dreaming up a new model for arts philanthropy with the Non-Fungible Labs team that can have a lasting impact in both the digital and real realms has been one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on, that has already had real impact,” says Grant. “Our creative future is going to be lived between the real and the digital, and it’s our responsibility to include more people in that creative space.”
Brooke Howard-Smith, co-founder of digital art project FLUF World stated, “We feel that AI artists giving back to artists in the physical world is the embodiment of what the metaverse is and where it’s going. It’s important to us that we do our charitable part and use our influence to inspire the collective to be generous and kind. Partnering with a renowned philanthropist like Alexandra Grant is the first of many incredible initiatives we hope to embark on to create a better future for artists everywhere.”
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
