University of The Bahamas Students Push Boundaries with NFT Creative Works, Winning $10,000 Prizes in Groundbreaking Competition

University of The Bahamas Students Push Boundaries with NFT Creative Works, Winning $10,000 Prizes in Groundbreaking Competition

Nassau, BAHAMAS - In a stunning fusion of art and technology, five projects from University of The Bahamas (UB) students have broken new ground as innovative NFT (non-fungible token) creations. The merging of blockchain technology with artistic expression offers a glimpse of the future of digital art.

This accomplishment, celebrated with $10,000 prizes for each winning project, showcases the creative potential being cultivated at UB, in this instance with the full support of Cordell Broadus, creator of the Champ Medici Arts Fund (CMAF), a partnership with the Tezos Foundation. The students triumphed in a recent competition designed to solicit artistic works authenticated through blockchain, making this an opportunity not only for artistic creation but also for hands-on learning in the realm of digital innovation.

Broadus, also known as Champ Medici, presented the monetary prizes at a ceremony held at UB's Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre on Monday, October 7th. It marked a milestone moment for the winners.

"It's not good to be late to the party, especially when it comes to technology, and right now we're in a digital revolution," said Broadus. "So, doing something like this is to keep it in the front of your minds. You guys are extremely creative, you all are young. We feel like putting this in front of you all can give you all skillsets that you all can earn a real financial living later down the line."

The winners - Madison Cartwright; Nelson Gray; Alyssa Pinder; Alesha Pinder; and Jean W. Joseph - produced an array of projects from digital art illustrations to musical compositions. Their creative works were authenticated on the Tezos blockchain, adding a layer of permanence and authenticity.

"It is with immense pride that we recognize the hard work, creativity, and innovation of our students," said Dr. Maria Oriakhi, UB Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. "Their winning projects represent the next wave of digital art rooted in blockchain technology with each work minted in the Tezos blockchain, a testament to both their talent and their forward-thinking approach to art and entrepreneurship."

Over a year ago, Broadus spoke to UB's incoming class of first-year students, vowing to support local talent. Fulfilling that pledge, he donated $100,000 to UB which established the Champ Medici Arts Fund Scholarship Award. The fund supported the university's Visual Arts & Design and Performing Arts departments in the School of Communication and Creative Arts, providing essential equipment and laying the foundation for the NFT competition. UB students learned about the cutting-edge technology and an ever-expanding world of digital art.

On Monday, Broadus said he would like to expand his support of UB students.

"I would like to make an early commitment that we would like to bring more technologies to this campus and grow on top of what we started this year and keep developing and coming back, checking, year after year and have a real relationship with you guys," he said. "And just keep supporting you all and bringing all the research we can to help you develop your careers."

UB President (Acting), Janyne Hodder, praised the students for their innovation and Broadus for his vision.

"We are grateful for the vision of those at Champ Medici Arts Fund and the Tezos Foundation, Mr. Cordell Broadus and others, for making this investment in students of University of The Bahamas and for recognizing the potential of our talented students," said President Hodder.

Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Dr. Douglas Barkey echoed the sentiment, commending Broadus for his meaningful contribution.

"On behalf of the University and our Visual Arts and Performing Arts departments, I thank you for your generosity and insight for inviting us to participate in the Champ Medici Arts Fund competition, and I'm so glad to hear that you want to have a relationship with us and continue working in this way," said Dr. Barkey. "I just think this has been a fantastic success this year, and I think it's going to be a success every year."

To prepare for the competition, the students took part in a workshop on blockchain and NFTs, hosted by the Tezos Foundation. Over the course of the summer and fall semesters, they produced their work, which was then minted into NFTs and submitted for review by a panel of judges from UB, the CMAF, and Tezos. The works were judged on innovation, creativity, craftsmanship, impact, aesthetics, and storytelling.

The winners expressed how the experience expanded their understanding of art, technology, and entrepreneurship.

"I'm very, very happy," said Alyssa Pinder to Broadus and his team. "I'm so thankful to you for giving us this opportunity to showcase our skills on a broader scale."

Nelson also expressed his gratitude.

"Art is more than just an outward expression for me; it's kind of been my life for a very long time, before I could even hold a crayon," said Nelson Gray. "So, I'm really thankful."

Shiv Jain, Broadus' Investment Partner, said it was an honor to support so many promising creatives.

"For us at the Champ Medici Art Fund, this has been an honor from our side to be able to do this, and we look forward to following the growth of everybody as artists and creatives and students," he said.

Meanwhile, Malachi Wright, a 22-year-old CMAF recipient who hails from Chicago, Illinois, encouraged the winners to keep striving for excellence.

"The creation never stops," said Wright. "You've just got to keep on going and not do it because you trying to get something or get this (benefit), but do it because you want to appreciate it, you want to enjoy it, and you want to love it."

As UB continues to embrace emerging technologies, the success of this innovative endeavor shows the university's commitment to student success and equipping them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Champ Medici Art Fund (CMAF) Founder Cordell Broadus a.k.a. Champ Medici delivers remarks during Monday's CMAF Competition Awards prize-giving presentation ceremony. Shiv Jain, CMAF Investment Partner, looks on.

UB (Acting) President Janyne Hodder introduces CMAF Founder, Cordell Broadus to a full auditorium at the Harry C. Moore Library & Information Centre during Monday's ceremony.

Malachi Wright, a 22-year-old CMAF recipient who hails from Chicago, Illinois, encourages the award recipients to keep striving for excellence.

CMAF Founder Cordell Broadus embraces Madison Cartwright after her art piece, "Strawberry Girl" earns her a $10,000 prize courtesy of his CMAF competition.

Alyssa Pinder (centre) poses with her winning art piece, "The Marble Knight", flanked by Cordell Broadus (right) and Malachi Wright (left).

Alesha Pinder (centre) poses with CMAF Founder Cordell Broadus (right) and fellow Malachi Wright after her piece, "Potion" was selected as one of the five CMAF competition's winning entries.

CMAF competition winner Jean Joseph a.k.a. DJ Turbulence delivers victory remarks while CMAF Founder, Cordell Broadus and CMAF Investments Partner, Shiv Jain look on.

CMAF competition winner Nelson Gray (second from left) stands next to his art piece, "Flower", along with CMAF recipient Malachi Wright (far left); CMAF Founder Cordell Broadus (second from right) and Shiv Jain, CMAF Investments Partner (right).

(From row) CMAF award winners Madison Cartwright; Alyssa Pinder; Nelson Gray; Jean Joseph; and Alesha Pinder wlong with CMAF Founder Cordell Broadus (centre left), and UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. Also in the photo are CMAF Investment Partner Shiv Jain (second row, far right); CMAF winner Malachi Wright and other UB officials on the steps of the Harry C. Moore Library & Information Centre following Monday's prize-giving ceremony.

Group photo of the five UB student winners, Cordell Broadus, investment partner Shiv Jain, CMAF winner Malachi Wright and UB officials.

About Cordell Broadus

Cordell Broadus is the founder of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream and a prominent investor with a keen eye for innovation. He is the youngest Black entrepreneur to sell 1 million pints of ice cream in the U.S. and the youngest philanthropist to donate to University of The Bahamas. As the Chief Strategy Officer for Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records, and the Tupac Estate, he ensures their legacy thrives in the digital age. Known for his strategic vision and creative direction, Broadus has been instrumental in driving forward initiatives that blend technology, entertainment, and culture. His leadership in developing gaming experiences and digital assets highlights his commitment to pushing boundaries and creating immersive, cutting-edge experiences for global audiences.

About The Tezos Foundation

The Tezos Foundation is a Swiss non-profit foundation that supports the development and long-term success of the Tezos protocol, an energy-efficient blockchain with the ability to evolve by upgrading itself. For more information, please visit www.tezos.foundation.