On the 20th of September, we celebrate International NFT Day, honoring a cutting-edge form of digital asset that’s captivating the realms of art, technology, and business. This date holds historical significance, as it echoes back to the inception of “Quantum,” the first notable NFT birthed on the Ethereum platform, which came into existence in early May of 2014.
This day isn’t just a nod to digital creativity and innovation; it’s a vibrant gathering for those enchanted by NFTs — from visionary artists and pioneering creators to avid collectors and fervent supporters. It’s an open invitation to delve into spirited conversations, engage in interactive learning sessions, and immerse oneself in the kaleidoscope of digital masterpieces that are redefining the essence of ownership and creativity in our digital epoch.
History of International NFT Day
The fascination with non-fungible tokens, known more popularly as NFTs, really caught fire in the span of the last few years, captivating those within and outside the blockchain community. These unique tokens are a digital marvel—each one is a one-of-a-kind asset on the blockchain that cannot be copied, serving as a proof of ownership for various digital items including artworks, collector’s items, and even virtual real estate.
One could mark the significant advent of NFTs with the introduction of CryptoPunks by Larva Labs back in 2017. This collection of 10,000 algorithmically generated characters wasn’t initially intended to spur an economic frenzy; on the contrary, they were initially released for free. However, they quickly turned into highly sought-after digital assets sparking a craze around virtual collectibles. Then, there was CryptoKitties, arriving in the same year, charming the digital community with breedable, collectible virtual cats. This sparked not only widespread attention but also congestion on the Ethereum network, showcasing the public’s burgeoning interest in NFT-supported digital experiences.
The year 2021 might as well have been dubbed ‘The Year of the NFT’ due to the considerable surge in interest and value associated with these digital assets. When notable figures in art and entertainment dabbled in NFTs, the rest of the world turned its gaze to the phenomenon. One can hardly discuss this without mentioning the watershed moment for digital art when an NFT by Beeple, christened “Everydays: the First 5000 Days,” fetched the staggering price of over $69 million at a famous Christie’s auction.
Given this trailblazing trajectory, it isn’t overly surprising if proponents of this burgeoning technology put forth the idea of commemorating an International NFT Day. Such an occasion would serve as a homage to the creative breakthrough that NFTs represent and as a platform to demystify the concept for the layperson, highlighting the myriad of applications in the process.
International NFT Day Timeline
Colored Coins
The concept of Colored Coins emerged on the Bitcoin blockchain, representing the seed of what would become NFTs.
Counterparty
Counterparty created a Bitcoin 2.0 platform which included DEX and a de-facto method of creating NFTs on the Bitcoin network.
Ethereum’s launch
Ethereum launched, providing a more robust platform with its smart contract functionality for creating and hosting NFTs.
CryptoPunks
CryptoPunks were launched as one of the first 'NFT' projects on the Ethereum network.
CryptoKitties Craze
CryptoKitties went viral as a game centered on breedable, collectible creatures represented by NFTs, clogging the Ethereum network and drawing mainstream attention to NFTs.
ERC-721 Standard
The ERC-721 standard was formalized, defining a minimum interface a smart contract must implement to allow unique tokens to be managed, owned, and traded.
NFT Market Growth
The NFT market witnessed significant growth, with numerous platforms emerging, and high-profile auctions and sales happening.
Beeple’s $69M Sale
Artist Mike Winkelmann, known as Beeple, sold an NFT of his work for $69 million at Christie’s, a storied auction house.
Ethereum Merge
The Ethereum network transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake in an event known as The Merge, addressing some concerns about the blockchain's energy consumption.
Ideas to Celebrate International NFT Day
NFT Gallery Showcase
Organize an online or in-person gallery where artists and creators exhibit their NFT artworks. Attendees can view, purchase, and learn more about the creative process behind each piece.
Educational Webinar
Host a webinar featuring experts in blockchain and NFT technology. Topics may include the basics of NFTs, how to create and sell them, and discussions on the future of digital ownership.
NFT Creation Workshop
Run a hands-on workshop for aspiring digital artists and enthusiasts where they can learn how to create their own NFTs. Cover the technical aspects, like setting up wallets, minting tokens, and listing on marketplaces.
Charity NFT Auction
Organize an auction featuring donated NFTs from prominent artists, with the proceeds going to a charitable cause. This not only celebrates NFT culture but also promotes social responsibility within the community.
NFT Trade Fair
Set up an online or offline event where collectors and traders can buy, sell, or swap their NFTs. It can be a great place for networking and learning about market trends.
Panel Discussion on NFTs
Invite artists, collectors, and industry professionals to discuss various aspects of NFTs, such as their impact on the art world, intellectual property concerns, and ecological considerations.
8 Interesting Facts About NFTs
The First-Ever NFT
The concept of NFTs existed before the term was coined. The first known 'NFT', Quantum, was created by Kevin McCoy in 2014. It's a video clip that shows an octagon filled with circles, shared and sold on the Namecoin blockchain.
NFTs and the Environment
NFTs have raised environmental concerns due to the high energy consumption of blockchain networks like Ethereum. However, efforts are being made to transition to more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake to mitigate this issue.
Tweet Turned NFT
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey sold his first tweet as an NFT for over $2.9 million. The tweet, which read 'just setting up my twttr', was sold to a bridge Oracle CEO Sina Estavi.
NFTs in Video Games
NFTs have found their way into the gaming industry, allowing players to own unique in-game items and potentially sell them on secondary markets. This has opened a new frontier for gaming economies and collectibles.
Digital Fashion and NFTs
The fashion industry has embraced NFTs, with designers and brands creating digital clothing that can be used in virtual worlds or as collectibles. This merge of fashion and technology is creating new opportunities for digital expression and ownership.
NFTs as Virtual Real Estate
In platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox, users can purchase, own, and trade virtual land and assets as NFTs, with some parcels of virtual land selling for millions of dollars, similar to the physical real estate market.
Unlockable NFT Content
Some NFTs offer unlockable content that can only be accessed by the current owner. This may include high-resolution files, secret messages, discount codes, or even physical goods related to the digital artwork.
NFTs Making Headlines in Music
Musicians and bands are using NFTs to tokenize their work, including albums, concert tickets, and exclusive experiences. Kings of Leon became one of the first major bands to release a new album as an NFT, pioneering a new way of distributing music.
International NFT Day FAQs
Next International NFT Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 20th | Wednesday |
| 2024 | September 20th | Friday |
| 2025 | September 20th | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 20th | Sunday |
| 2027 | September 20th | Monday |
| What is the pattern? | Every September 20th | |
International NFT Day Word Search
- Blockchain
- Ethereum
- Collectible
- NonFungible
- Ownership
- Cryptoart