Today, Mastercard expanded its growing music footprint with the launch of the Web3-based Mastercard Artist Accelerator Program. Web3’s capabilities have the potential to open a new dimension of music content creation, collaboration and ownership; however, this burgeoning space has yet to fully deliver, especially for emerging artists. The Mastercard Artist Accelerator connects selected artists from around the world with remarkable mentors and a dynamic fanbase as they learn and create in Web3. The program will conclude later in 2023 with a live stream of artists.
Launching in Spring 2023, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator will give five emerging artists, such as musicians, DJs and producers, the tools, skills and access to carve their own musical paths in the digital economy. The artists get exclusive access to special events, music releases and more. A unique curriculum teaches the artists how to build (and own) their brand through Web3 experiences, such as creating NFTs, representing themselves in virtual worlds, and building an engaged community.
Designed as a space for creators to come together and grow their music communities, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator also invites fans to join the table. The Mastercard Music Pass, a limited edition NFT, gives holders access to exclusive Web3 x Music educational materials, unique resources through our collaborations, and priceless experiences – in real life and the metaverse. With this token, fans can join the platform and learn alongside artists to hone their own tools and knowledge of the space.
“Music is a universal passion that inspires, moves and brings us together; however, it can seem impossible for budding artists to break into. With the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, we are expanding access and further driving connections with advanced Web3 technology,” said Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard’s head of marketing and communications. “Our vision is to bridge passion and purpose, showcase great emerging artists and create an interactive community where participants can learn, experiment and grow together.”
Raja announced the Mastercard Artist Accelerator from the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show with Polygon Studios earlier today. Mastercard has leveraged the Polygon blockchain to power these fan-driven artist experiences.
“Web3 has the potential to empower a new breed of artist to grow a fanbase, earn a living and introduce new media for self-expression and connection on their own terms,” said Ryan Wyatt, CEO of Polygon Studios. “The Mastercard Artist Accelerator not only demonstrates the strength of brands embracing this new space, it also provides tools to educate consumers on how to participate. This is an important step forward in making the benefits of Web3 accessible to more people.”
Mastercard has been a longtime advocate of the music industry, connecting artists and fans through countless priceless experiences and surprises. Building on its sponsorship of the GRAMMY Awards®, Latin GRAMMY Awards® and BRIT Awards, Mastercard is the first to use Web3 technologies to deliver exclusive, inclusive and scalable experiences for both fans and artists. In fact, last June, the brand launched its very first album, “Priceless”, through an innovative collaboration aimed at guiding emerging artists. With the brand’s track record in the music world, coupled with its expertise in building strong networks in the digital economy, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator will give emerging artists the tools and capabilities they need to thrive in this technology driven era.
Maggie Crowe, director of events and charities at the BPI commented: “The BRIT Awards celebrate 25 years with Mastercard and that support in turn helps fund the free education offered at the BRIT School in London. This unique partnership with Mastercard has helped inspire the next generation of musicians, develop and nurture talent, and create opportunities to showcase their creativity to a wider audience and the professional music industry. Mastercard’s Artist Accelerator is a natural extension of this work and will provide musicians with the means to develop their skills and connect with fans on new digital platforms, using Web3 technologies.”
The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) represents the UK music industry – one of the most exciting and thriving music sectors in the world – and organizes the annual BRIT Awards.
To learn more about the Mastercard Artist Accelerator and to sign up to stay informed about upcoming program milestones, including the Mastercard Music Pass drop, special announcements about the artists and mentors, exclusive priceless music experiences and more, visit mastercard.com/Artist-Accelerator.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside our company. With connections in more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless opportunities for everyone.
