The Paths to Alangö want to show that these ancient traditions can still provide an income. Sudiarta has seen other blacksmiths find new occupations because their renumeration was insufficient. Now artisans will not only be introduced to more potential buyers, but as each NFT sold is a commission, they will have the security of receiving the money to make the artwork before they start. This elevates the artistry, Adami said, as the fear they will be left with stock means that some artisans resort to creating lower-quality items.
Lansing said this level of artistry needs to be recognized. “It elevates their creations to something that a curator needs,” said Lansing. “These are not just handicrafts; these are classical arts.”
While Quantum Temple plans to expand to Peru and Panama in 2023, the NFT sustainable travel experiences for Indonesia will also increase. “It will be like a portal, but a carefully structured mode of access,” said Lansing. “You can feel good about becoming involved because it’s being held by the hand and guided.”
While some of the collection’s NFTs have already been auctioned and others are yet to be released, the NFTs are already helping to renew the spirit of the villagers taking part. When the project soft-launched in February 2023 at the 10th-Century water temple of Pura Tirta Empul in Bali, locals performed dances within its historic walls. Adani said the Indonesians working on the project could already see it giving a boost to the community.
“Everyone said they wanted to reintegrate performing arts at the temple in a more recurring way because it really brought the community together and made the temple so alive,” said Adani.
Future of Travel is a series from BBC Travel that investigates what the world might look like to travelers in the coming years and meets the people living on the frontlines of change.
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