I wanted to share an update on the 24x24 Foundation—the idea I’ve been talking about to anyone who will listen over the past few months. Things are moving forward, quietly and slowly, but forward nonetheless. Having gone through this process a few times, I know how important it is to get things right from the start, so without an urgent deadline, I’ve been taking the time to talk to people and ensure that the direction we start moving in is where we truly want to go. CryptoPunks remains one of the most culturally significant and iconic digital art collections of our time, and as we continue to build the foundation, our goal remains clear: to ensure the long-term preservation and celebration of this groundbreaking work within the evolving world of digital art and NFTs.
A Two-Step Approach
Our current strategy involves a phased approach. The first phase focuses on building the core foundation—establishing the legal structure, engaging early supporters, and setting a clear mission. This groundwork is critical to positioning 24x24 for long-term success. Once these foundational elements are in place, we will move into the second phase, which will bring together a larger board of visionaries and leaders who can guide the foundation’s future strategy and steward its mission over time.
Two Potential Paths Forward
As we shape the foundation’s future, two possible paths are emerging. The preferred scenario involves acquiring the intellectual property (IP) rights for CryptoPunks, allowing the foundation to serve as the official guardian of the collection. We believe that as long as the IP is tied to a commercial entity or individual - no matter who that is, there will be ongoing stress and uncertainty about what could happen next. Transferring the IP to an independent non-profit with a clear mission to protect it offers a thoughtful way forward—one that benefits everyone. This would allow us to safeguard the collection’s integrity while fostering a space where collectors and the public can continue to appreciate its historical significance. However, even without holding the IP, the foundation’s mission remains vital. By focusing on education, exhibitions, and partnerships with museums and other cultural institutions, we can still elevate CryptoPunks as a cornerstone of digital art history.
Why This Effort is Critical
CryptoPunks is more than just a collection of 10,000 NFTs; it represents a paradigm shift in how we think about ownership, art, and technology. Its cultural relevance continues to grow, and the need for an organization that can actively preserve and promote this significance is clear. Whether we act as stewards of the IP or as cultural custodians, our commitment to protecting this movement and ensuring its lasting impact on the digital art world remains unwavering.
As the foundation takes shape, I want to invite anyone who is passionate about the future of digital art and the legacy of CryptoPunks to connect with us (or ping us directly). Together, we can help shape the future of this important cultural artifact and ensure its place in art history for generations to come.
