The CRIB
A Creative Incubator Web3 Accelerator Program for the NEAR Creative Community
The Problem:
While there are many accelerator programs available for tech start-ups in the Web3 ecosystem, there is a significant lack of support for artists and creatives looking to contribute in a meaningful way. Existing programs often only offer funding without providing the necessary mentorship, education, and incubation to help artists turn their ideas into sustainable models. This problem is particularly noticable within the Near creative community, where recent changes to the grant and funding system have further reduced support for artists. As a result, many artists struggle to develop their ideas into successful projects that can make a lasting impact on the ecosystem.
The Solution:
To address the lack of meaningful support for artists, we propose The CRIB, a dedicated creative incubator and accelerator program. This program would provide artists with the mentorship, education, and incubation necessary to develop their ideas into sustainable models that can be further supported by the existing Grassroots verticals. Through a combination of funding, coaching, and access to resources and networks, the program would help artists in building successful projects that can have a lasting impact. In particular, the program would focus on the Near creative community, where the need for support is especially acute. By nurturing the talents of artists and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, the program would help to foster a more diverse and vibrant ecosystem that benefits everyone.
The Proposal:
We will put together a Working Group of qualified community members to design a program that will run on a quartly basis and is open to the entire Near creative community and engage in the following items to achieve this:
1. Identify Potential Partners:
Reach out to organizations and individuals within the NEAR ecosystem who have an interest in supporting artists and creatives. This could include NDC members, DAO members, community groups, and artists themselves.
2. Define Roles & Responsibilities:
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of each member of the working group, including project management, program design, outreach and recruitment and evaluation.
3. Establish Communication Channels:
Set up regular communication channels to keep the working group informed and engaged. This could include a Telegram channel, weekly or bi-weekly meetings, and a shared document or project management platform.
4. Develop Program Goals & Objectives:
Work together to define the goals and objectives of the program, including the types of artists and creatives that will be targeted, the length and structure of the program, the resources that will be provided, and the expected outcomes.
5. Create a Detailed Plan:
Develop a detailed plan for the program, including a timeline, budget, and metrics for success. Assign tasks and milestones to each member of the working group, and establish a clear process for monitoring progress.
6. Launch the Program:
Once the program has been developed and approved, launch it to the NEAR ecosystem. Publicize the program through social media, the BOS and targeted outreach to artists and creatives. Monitor the program closely and adjust as needed based on feedback and evaluation.
Program Flow Ideas:
Here you can see an outline of what the program might looks like. Once the Working Group is assembled they will work together, with feedback from the community, to come up with a detailed program that might have a similar structure to the following:
1. Application & Selection Process:
The program would start with an open call for applications from artists and creatives within the NEAR ecosystem. The application process would include a series of questions designed to assess the potential impact and feasibility of the proposed project. A selection committee comprised of experts in the creative field would review the applications and select a cohort of participants based on merit and diversity.
2. Incubation Phase:
Once selected, participants would begin a three-week incubation period designed to help them develop their ideas into sustainable models. During this phase, participants would receive mentorship, coaching, and access to resources and networks, including workshops on topics such as business planning, marketing, and community building. Participants would also have the opportunity to collaborate with one another and receive feedback from their peers.
3. Acceleration Phase:
After the incubation phase, participants would enter a six-week acceleration period focused on bringing their projects to market. During this phase, participants would receive additional funding and access to resources and networks, as well as ongoing mentorship and coaching. The program would also provide opportunities for participants to showcase their projects to investors and potential partners.
4. Graduation & Continued Support:
At the end of the program, participants would receive a graduation NFT and be in line for funding from the Grassroots verticals. The program would also continue offering additional support to help participants navigate the challenges of building and scaling their projects.
Do note that this is a rough proposal guide and would love feedback from the various communities that could benefit from such a program. Especially @creativesdao-council and the @NDC_Comms as it would be great to establish a working group as soon as possible to get this underway if the community feels like it’s worth it.
Cheers,
Vandal