Drue Kataoka NFT Auction for Asian American Causes

Drue Kataoka’s NFT Supports Asian American Causes

The artwork of Drue Kataoka has been showcased in collections across 30 nations, and notably, even aboard the International Space Station. The artist, also an activist, and currently featured as the icon for the Clubhouse application, is now releasing her inaugural NFT to benefit Asian American initiatives.

Auction Details and Charitable Focus

The auction is scheduled to commence on the digital art platform Nifty Gateway at 1:30 p.m. EST on May 13th. A launch event will simultaneously take place on Clubhouse, with bidding open for a 24-hour period. Nifty Gateway has chosen to waive all auction fees, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds will be directed to the Catalyst Fund for Justice (CFJ).

The CFJ operates as the grant-making division of Stand with Asian Americans, a collaborative effort uniting business leaders and activists with the Asian Pacific Fund.

Kataoka’s Artistic Background and Activism

Kataoka is recognized for her commissioned works, encompassing mirror-polished steel sculptures and art incorporating virtual reality, EEG technology, and mobile platforms. Her piece, “Up!,” utilizing Sumi-e ink on rice paper, was included in the first art exhibition held in zero gravity at the International Space Station.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Kataoka is a dedicated activist and organizer. She has successfully raised nearly $300,000 through Clubhouse to support movements like #StopAsianHate, #Clubhouse4India, and #24HoursofLove, benefiting The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King.

“In the Club: #StopAsianHate” – The NFT

Kataoka’s NFT, titled “In the Club: #StopAsianHate,” draws inspiration from the activist communities flourishing on Clubhouse. Kataoka herself leads the Art Club, one of the app’s most prominent art groups, boasting over 102,000 members.

“I am deeply committed to utilizing Clubhouse as a tool for driving social change,” Kataoka stated. “This project aims to maximize our impact, combining philanthropy and art at their highest levels to best serve the Asian American community.”

Blending Art, Technology, and Zen Philosophy

Kataoka is the founder and CEO of Drue Kataoka Studios, which integrates influences from Zen Buddhism, her expertise in Sumi-e ink painting, and the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. She opted to attend Stanford University instead of art school, seeking knowledge in areas like virtual and augmented reality, coding, and core business principles.

“For the past two decades, my guiding principle has been that art and technology are intrinsically linked,” she explained to TechCrunch.

Embracing the Future of Digital Art

Regarding her “genesis drop,” or initial NFT release, Kataoka expressed a desire for careful consideration. “I’m thrilled that this project will be my first. I’ve been closely observing the NFT space and am optimistic about the potential of crypto and NFTs. While volatility exists, I believe this technology will become a crucial mechanism for creativity and progress.”

Industry Support and Impact

Eric Kim, co-chair of Stand with Asian Americans’ Catalyst Fund for Justice, emphasized the significance of Kataoka’s commitment. “Drue’s dedication to donating 100% of the proceeds to the AAPI community is profoundly meaningful. It’s also a powerful demonstration of the potential of blockchain technology.”

Kim, also co-founder and managing partner of Goodwater Capital, added, “I’ve been seeking the ideal application of blockchain technology, and this project – capturing digital art as NFTs, launching on Clubhouse, and auctioning through Nifty Gateway – represents one of the most effective and coordinated uses of blockchain I’ve encountered.”

A Visual and Auditory Experience

“In the Club: #StopAsianHate” is approximately one minute in length and features a Clubhouse room image layered over a gold backdrop. User profile pictures have been removed, revealing shifting shapes sculpted by Kataoka in virtual reality. The artwork is accompanied by audio from a recent protest, combined with a recording of Kataoka’s heartbeat.

The sounds ultimately transition into wind, symbolizing air, or qi, chi, ki, or prana – a vital life force recognized in many Asian cultures.

Amplifying Voices and Addressing Underrepresentation

“This piece is a tribute to the activists and community members who have championed this movement from the beginning,” Kataoka explained. “It’s concerning that mainstream media has often overlooked or minimized the hate crimes and challenges faced by the Asian American community. Clubhouse provides an unfiltered platform where these crucial conversations can take place.”

“Last year, in 2020, I was hosting and listening to these conversations on Clubhouse, and they gained momentum alongside discussions on Twitter, often before receiving attention from larger news outlets.”

Data-Driven Grant Allocation

The Catalyst Fund for Justice will employ a data-driven strategy to identify grant recipients. Initial priorities include reducing hate crimes and supporting victims, addressing workplace discrimination, increasing Asian American representation in politics, and bolstering underfunded nonprofits.

Goals include integrating more Asian American history into educational curricula, understanding and mitigating workplace bias that hinders Asian American advancement, and expanding Asian American participation in civic organizations.

A Collaborative Effort for Change

Following the Atlanta shootings, Kim initiated collaboration with venture capitalists, including Chi-Hua Chien of Goodwater, Hans Tung of GGV, and Jeremy Liew of Lightspeed Venture Partners, raising $5 million to donate to AAPI organizations.

“This heightened awareness prompted business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to consider how to apply their skills systematically to this movement,” Kim said.

Stand with Asian Americans: A Broad Coalition

Stand with Asian Americans emerged from these discussions. At the end of March, the coalition unveiled its mission in a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, co-signed by prominent figures such as Zoom CEO Eric Yuan, YouTube co-founder Steve Chen, Yahoo co-founder Jerry Wang, Stitch Fix CEO Katrina Lake, and former Washington Governor and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke.

Partnered with the Asian Pacific Fund, Stand with Asian Americans launched the Catalyst Fund for Justice to leverage the support of nearly 8,000 signatories and over 100 volunteers.

Community Impact and Hope for the Future

Audrey Yamamoto, president and executive director of the Asian Pacific Fund, stated, “Drue Kataoka’s generous donation of her Genesis NFT drop is incredibly meaningful to the AAPI community, especially as we continue to face fear of violence and hate. The Catalyst Fund for Justice will utilize data-driven insights to fund initiatives that address the most pressing injustices faced by our community.”