FEATURED ARTWORKS OF THE WEEK

uloang, "Help on the Way 001"
everydayresearch, "In There Somewhere"
paste24, "Soul Elevation"
An Interview with Miles Starkey of the HOPE Campaign
The HOPE Campaign Curation at SXSW

Earlier this month at SXSW, we launched our collection with HOPE Campaign and Illust Space. The artworks were originally spray-painted murals on 8’ x 8’ canvases that were displayed at the Austin Convention Center during SXSW. 

The pieces were then scanned, animated, and minted on Mint Gold Dust, creating an archive of the exhibition. 

We recently sat down with HOPE Campaign’s executive director and Mint Gold Dust guest curator Miles Starkey to talk about HOPE’s mission,  Street Art, and more. Check out the conversation below:

Tell us about the HOPE Campaign’s mission?

The mission of HOPE Campaign is to connect creatives with causes through projects and events. Our 501(c3) nonprofit strives to empower creatives, young and old, to elevate the community and social causes through programs, campaigns and activations.

A lot of the work that HOPE does is connecting artists to their community. What role does community play in an artist’s journey?

A community not only provides support and feedback, but is often the inspiration and means of reflection in an artist’s life. Community encourages connections and in turn – cultivates the growth of art.

Miles Starkey, give 'em a smile

You are an artist yourself. What inspires you when you are creating your work?

My creative process has no rhyme or reason, but I believe strongly in sharing happiness and inspiration with others. In the words of Dolly Parton, “if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!”

What do you think makes NFTs attractive to street artists in particular?

Street Artists, muralists, graffiti writers and other community facing creatives can easily utilize NFTs as another form of expression, but NFTs also present endless potential for financial freedom.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give artists (street artists or otherwise) who are interested in dipping their toes into NFTs?

You are only limited by your creativity.

Browse the HOPE Campaign Curation Here

Miss our full recap of our time in Austin for SXSW?

Catch up on last week’s edition of 79Au here.