Southeast Asia is a hotbed of creativity. From the intricate batik art of Indonesia to the vibrant street art of Malaysia, the region pulses with artistic talent. How many of these artists—aside from the obvious handful of acts out of Africa—have really made it on a global level? How many others are still in crisis, their cries ignored, their brilliance unrealized? Web3 does have amazing potential. We hope events like HODL 2025 in Dubai will become the new normal!
Blockchain: Level Playing Field?
Blockchain technology, by virtue of its decentralized nature, promises a meritocracy in which everyone has an equal chance. Creatives are liberated from old-school intermediaries such as galleries and record labels. Now, they’re able to connect directly with their audiences, sell their work as NFTs and create thriving communities around their creations. As many of us who witness the actual practice know, the reality is much messier.
Take Nandar, an inspired activist for blockchain access to new art-makers, particularly those hailing from the new digital economy powerhouses — Southeast Asia. As one of the originators of the project, she envisions its possibility, but recognizes the challenges. Moreover, dependable internet access—even before the pandemic—had become a prerequisite for full participation in society. Without it, in addition to technical skills and language proficiency, the Web3 landscape proves difficult to navigate.
HODL 2025 will take place at Dubai’s lavish Madinat Jumeirah. It’s during this time the event will bring together over 5,000 global industry leaders, innovators and investors. The issue isn’t if the inaugural will be a $100 million extravaganza – it will be. The real question is: Can it translate into tangible opportunities for artists from Southeast Asia?
Bridging The Cultural Divide?
As an international crossroads and global city, Dubai likes to think of itself as a bridge between East and West. Closing the cultural divide takes more than proximity. It requires an intentionality around making inclusive spaces where these diverse voices are not just heard, but welcomed and appreciated. How will HODL 2025 intentionally center and support Southeast Asian creators? That’s the question—for will it be more than just another conference led by Western hegemonic attitudes?
Think about it. For a young artist living in rural Vietnam, subsistence is the challenge. All of a sudden, they are in a meeting room with a bunch of venture capitalists and crypto millionaires. The culture shock alone could be paralyzing. What tools and support networks will they have available to help these artists chart a course through this new landscape? Workshops tailored to their interests and needs? Will there be mentorship programs to help them develop and hone their ideas, or translation services to help them articulate their visions to experts?
Forgotten Voices: Can They Be Heard?
The art world, I don’t need to tell you, has a storied history of ignoring the talent emerging from marginalized communities. Are we just recreating the very same power dynamics we’re seeing in this new, emerging space of Web3? Are we inadvertently creating a new form of digital colonialism, where the benefits of blockchain technology accrue disproportionately to those who already hold power and privilege?
This isn't about guilt-tripping anyone. It's about recognizing the immense potential that lies dormant within Southeast Asia's creative communities and actively working to unlock it. We don’t want HODL 2025 to be a celebration mostly for crypto elite. We want to help ensure that it’s a true catalyst for change.
Maybe the answer is emphasizing community connection. Instead of simply throwing artists into the deep end, HODL 2025 could facilitate connections between artists, developers, and investors before the event. Imagine online workshops, collaborative projects, and virtual mentorship programs that help Southeast Asian artists prepare for the conference and build lasting relationships.
Imagine if we were to witness a tidal wave of funding for Southeast Asian Web3 art incubators. Imagine if the big NFT platforms were seriously looking for and featuring artists from this continent. What if educational initiatives were launched to equip these artists with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy?
The potential is there. The technology is there. What’s required today is the determination to build a more diverse and equitable Web3 ecosystem. We can only hope HODL 2025 moves the needle significantly in that direction.
It’s really about uplifting those unsung voices and providing them a platform to dazzle. Because when they shine, we all shine.
