Denver, CO - COZ, a Web3 software development company pioneering blockchain and on-chain physical asset activations, and DENVER WALLS, part of the international street art festival series World Wide Walls, are teaming up again to bring a unique fusion of art and blockchain to Denver from 3-5 October 2024, it was announced today.
DENVER WALLS will take place throughout the vibrant RiNo Art District, showcasing 13 commissioned murals by acclaimed local and international artists. This initiative represents more than just a technological experiment —it's a bold reimagining of how art can be experienced, owned, and shared within a community.
COZ has designed and manufactured bronze wall plaques, featuring proprietary engineering, mounted alongside the murals. In collaboration with ITEM Systems, the team has integrated non-fungible item (NFI) technology into these plaques, which provide information about the artwork and its sponsors, and support a blockchain-powered scavenger hunt. While NFTs have gained traction in the digital art world, NFIs bring blockchain into the physical realm.
Visitors can explore each mural and use the NFC readers in their smartphones to scan the plaques, unlocking exclusive digital content while tracking their progress. As they engage with the artwork, they can collect visits and redeem special offers. This year, participants can tap scan at least two murals and present their blockchain-verified check-ins at Ratio Beerworks to redeem a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage.
Tyler Adams, Co-founder of COZ, said: "Events like DENVER WALLS elevate local artists onto a global stage while reinforcing our community's identity as a vibrant creative hub. For the second consecutive year, the festival demonstrates the seamless integration of NFI technology to enhance local artistry and community engagement. By merging artistic expression with blockchain technology, it enriches Denver's cultural landscape, inviting both residents and visitors to engage with stunning murals that bring life to our urban spaces. We are proud to support this initiative, showcasing how embracing new technologies can enhance local experiences and celebrate the unique character of our neighborhoods”.
What sets this activation apart is its ease of accessibility. Festival-goers don’t need to download anything; they can explore the murals, access artist information, and track their progress using a web-based app. This app provides a digital map of the murals, a checklist of waypoints, and details about available rewards. It also handles user onboarding and allows for peer-to-peer WalletConnect for the claim process.
Last autumn, Denver became the 25th city to host a WORLD-WIDE WALLS event, joining global cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Honolulu. Led by local artist A.L. Grime, the event will feature a wide variety of activities celebrating different forms of street art, including a live 3-on-3 paint battle at Blue Moon, an all-ages drawing workshop, an exclusive gallery show with RedLine, and a block party at RiNo ArtPark.
Ally Grimm, Street Artist and Director of DENVER WALLS said: "DENVER WALLS isn’t just about painting murals—it’s about creating a space where art brings people together, sparks conversation, and uplifts our community. Collaborating with the COZ team to blend art and technology into each piece is a powerful way to not only tell our stories but also to support local businesses and push Denver’s creative energy to new heights”.
