You’re invited! The Inclusiverse goes IRL at NFT NYC

Curation has always been integral to HUG.
One year ago, HUG was founded by Randi Zuckerberg and Debbie Soon on the principles of community curation as a means to support and connect more closely with creators. HUG sought to build the ‘inclusiverse’ a place where everyone could feel welcomed, regardless of their background. We wanted to make the art world accessible, for the Web3 ecosystem to reflect the diversity of the world we all live in.

Our community has come a long way from compiling our favorite artists into the chaotic notion file that would eventually evolve into thehug.xyz. Over the past few weeks, our community has voted on which artists will be showcased at our first gallery show of many. In special thanks to a partnership with The Seaport, the work of these curated artists will bridge the gap from digital art to the real world in our ongoing debut exhibition at the 0×17 Gallery in New York City, aptly named “Enter The Inclusiverse”.

If you are in or around New York City on April 12, we would love to have you celebrate HUG's first anniversary and debut gallery opening with us 🥂

⚗️ Get experimental in the Innovation Laboratory

Introducing HUG Studios’ Innovation Laboratory! 

This 2-week boot camp is for artists who want structure and support to launch their next project.

Our first course will help you find your own unique innovation through NFT burning mechanics and receive real-time strategic, technical, and marketing guidance. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. We can figure it out together!

🎓 Applications to HUG Studios are live

What is HUG Studios?

HUG Studios is the only Web3 educational program for creators, by creators. In the past year alone, we have worked with over 1,000 creators across art, music, theater, and entrepreneurship. At HUG Studios, we offer three different programs to meet you where you're at and grant access to the leading creative minds in Web3 to level up yourself for long-term success.

Available Programs:

• groupHUG, a hands-on advisory program for Web3 businesses • learn more

• hedgeHUG, cohort-based program for pre-mint NFT projects • learn more

Apply by April 15 to join our next cohort from May 1 through July 24.

📣 Demo Day and the Perfect Pitch

 This week’s edition of Creator Royalties shares nine tactics for an artist to successfully pitch themselves and their work. Pitching yourself effectively is a critical skill to have as an artist. Whether you are looking to sell your artwork, land a brand partnership, or seal the deal on a commission request, showcasing your talents and telling your story go a long way in demonstrating that you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Did you know HUG Studios has helped our clients raise over $6 million in venture capital? Our latest cohort of entrepreneurs perfected their own businesses pitch live on Demo Day earlier this week. Think of it like a Web3 version of Shark Tank!

Perfecting your pitch is just one of the many valuable skills we help you cultivate as a member of HUG Studios, so if convincing others to invest in your work as much as you do is something you want, be sure to apply for our summer session.

🦋 Awakening by WanjiGallery

Every month, Meta Angels partner with Adobe to commission a piece from an underrepresented, emerging artist. The recipient of March’s Artist-in-Residence scholarship was Kenyan documentary photographer and digital collage artist, WanjiGallery.

Her piece, Awakening, is available as a gift to HUG Pass and Meta Angels NFT holders. Don’t wait! This free mint is only available from now through April 7.

Awakening:
In the face of adversity, the things that really matter to you are made clearer. This piece is about grasping second chances and appreciating the things in life that we took for granted.

Introducing our April Artist-in-Residence

Congratulations to Jack, also known as jprittee, the recipient of the Meta Angels x Adobe Artist-in-Residence program for April!

Jack is a designer & 3D illustrator that is on a mission to spread joy and make Web3 a more inclusive place. Jack's various collections are designed to support & celebrate LGBTQIA+, BIPOC & women creators in Web3 by spotlighting, curating, and reinvesting profits directly into the works of diverse artists throughout our community.

Jack also happens to be an active and beloved member of the HUG community. We can’t wait to share more about his story and his creative practice as the month goes on.

“En Sus Manos”: Supporting Central American Artists

It's been our mission since day 1 to build a more diverse and inclusive Web3. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Mastercard, CARE, and Partnership for Central America for the En Sus Manos (In Her Hands) digital art collection! This collection is a timed open edition available now through April 14th on HeyMint.

These three works were produced by the phenomenal artists Male Cuellar, Ale Bara, and Kem aka Nycolee Suazo - all of which will be featured on HUG's homepage so you can explore the collections and connect with them more easily. It has been an honor and a privilege to mentor these creators with blockchain technology and NFTs as they created art to celebrate the grace and power of Central American women.

Proceeds from these sales will be used to support CARE's Center for Gender Equality programs in Northern Central American and PCA's In Her Hands initiative programming.