The Web3 revolution had us believing that decentralization, democratization, and creator empowerment were just around the corner. The good news is that everybody should be benefitting. Look around. It's largely the same players who dominated Web2: Silicon Valley giants, established venture capitalists, and a select group of already-famous artists. The let promise of a level playing field sure seems lopsided, doesn’t it? Where are the voices from Southeast Asia? From Africa? From the millions of neighborhoods around the globe teeming with undiscovered genius?

Korea’s digital landscape is sustained by enthusiastic individual investors and a culture of community-led, rapid tech adoption. This vibrant environment, further deepened by a creator’s economy, is still in its infancy but rapidly forming a unique flavor of Web3. It’s a Web3 that is accessible and inclusive, where creators are truly empowered. Consider it a K-Pop remix of the Web3 welcome song, with a rhythm that reverberates well past the shores of Seoul.

I'm an illustrator and community activist. As someone who knows the barriers that artists from underserved communities face, it’s been an honor to see talented artists flourish. Southeast Asia, where I have worked for most of my life, provides a specific and extreme case in point. Physical traditional art markets are usually inaccessible and gatekept. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook provide exposure, yes, but in the end, they own the story—and the profits. And don’t even get us started on the exploitative practices of many NFT marketplaces.

Korea's digital ecosystem, honed over decades with platforms like Cyworld, AfreecaTV, and Kakao, isn't just about entertainment. It's about community. It's about users driving trends, not corporations. This is crucial. That’s why Web3 isn’t just a technological revolution, it’s a human one. It’s not just opening their minds, it’s about empowering them with the tools to create, connect and own their creations.

Meet SNPIT, a new blockchain technology company specializing in photography. It's not just another NFT marketplace. This new decentralized Web3 platform includes tools that empower artists. More importantly, it demystifies the technical wizardry of blockchain, bringing down the barrier for entry for those who would otherwise be intimidated. Tokenized rewards provide participation incentives, establishing a circular economy in which artists are fairly compensated for their work. This is HUGE. Earning tokens for taking and sharing photos? Imagine the opportunities for creators in the Global South who don’t have access to more conventional funding pipelines. This could be life-changing.

It's not just about financial incentives. SNPIT's focus on gamification and social elements taps into Korea's deeply ingrained community culture. Artists aren't just uploading their work into a void; they're engaging with a network of like-minded individuals, receiving feedback, and building relationships. This sense of belonging is crucial, particularly for artists who are marginalized or otherwise not at home in conventional art spaces.

SNPIT’s integration of AI is the second genius move. The platform addresses increasing fears of copyright violation and legal ambiguity for companies training AI models. It achieves this, among other ways, by ethically sourcing only the highest-quality data. AI is profoundly and quickly reshaping our creative world. As we increasingly use data to drive equitable outcomes, ethical data sourcing has turned into a moral imperative, not just a best practice. This is about making sure that AI is working for all artists and not just the billionaires of the tech industry.

Now, imagine scaling this model. Now imagine adapting SNPIT’s approach to work across diverse cultures. Customize it to address the very specific needs and cultural sensibilities of artists in Southeast Asia, Africa, and outside of Europe and North America. Imagine a just and inclusive Web3 world! Now, artists from your neighborhood and every corner of the globe can share their work, reach audiences worldwide—and find sustainable careers through their art in the process.

  • Low Barrier to Entry: Web2 users can experience Web3 without needing prior crypto knowledge.
  • Tokenized Rewards: Earn tokens for taking and sharing photos.
  • AI Integration: Images are used for ethical AI model training.

This vision will not come to fruition without a concerted effort. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders:

The present Web3 narrative is overwhelmingly Western-centric and controlled. For developing opportunities for artists from more historically underrepresented areas, let’s make a big push. In doing so, we can help them share their stories, preserve their cultural heritage, and shape the future of the digital realm.

It’s time to get rid of the predatory practices that have plagued previous incarnations of the internet. Now it’s long past time to build a Web3 that works really for all creators. Together, let’s continue to grow this global creative community, one photograph, one NFT, one friendship at a time. Let's make Web3 a stage for the forgotten voices, powered by the creative spark of Korea's digital culture. So, the time to act is indeed now, and the time is now.

This is more than public art, this is community building. It’s about advocating for the right of the unrepresented.

Call to Action: Empower Emerging Artists NOW

But this vision won't materialize on its own. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders:

  • Support platforms like SNPIT that are committed to ethical data sourcing and creator empowerment.
  • Invest in education and mentorship programs that help emerging artists navigate the Web3 landscape.
  • Participate in hackathons and other collaborative events that foster innovation and creativity in the Web3 space.
  • Demand greater inclusivity and diversity from Web3 platforms and organizations.

The current Web3 landscape is far too dominated by Western voices and interests. We need to actively create space for artists from underrepresented regions to share their stories, preserve their cultural heritage, and shape the future of the digital world.

Let's ditch the exploitative practices that have plagued previous iterations of the internet and embrace a Web3 that truly empowers all creators. Let's build a global creative community, one photograph, one token, one connection at a time. Let's make Web3 a stage for the forgotten voices, powered by the creative spark of Korea's digital culture. It’s time to act, and the time is now.

This is not just about art, it is about people. It's about fighting for the right of the underrepresented.