Hi everyone!
Wanted to share the pre-proposal for the SPE I shared on the treasury call today. Appreciate all the feedback from the community, which we have addressed and implemented in the draft below. Refraction has been partnered with Livepeer across several events, as well as being part of the first cohort of the startup program — so we are super excited to deepen the relationship and support growth of Livepeer AI through this targeted initiative.
We look forward to seeing hearing from the community and making sure the program feeds into the larger Livepeer vision!
Context
Livepeer’s decentralized video tools have the potential to revolutionize the creative economy, but adoption challenges persist—especially in bridging the gap between groundbreaking technology and the creators who can unlock its full potential.
Refraction, with over 10 years of expertise in digital arts and a global network of 2,100+ creators, proposes an initiative to onboard 50–100 artists, blending emerging and established talent, to explore the transformative possibilities of real-time AI video. By leveraging our proven ability to attract Web2 audiences and activate global creator communities, this program not only brings Livepeer AI tooling to creators and builders, but also positions Livepeer as a leader in AI-powered creativity, fostering long-term engagement and ecosystem growth.
SPE Title: Supporting AI Artists: Livepeer’s Real-Time Video AI Showcase
Abstract
This proposal outlines an initiative to empower 50–100 creators, drawn from Refraction’s global network of over 2,100 artists and ecosystem partners, including DJs, visual artists, and technologists, to explore the potential of real-time AI video using Livepeer’s decentralized tools. By providing grants, technical resources, and showcase opportunities, this program will enable artists to push creative boundaries while demonstrating the unique value of Livepeer’s video infrastructure. It is an opportunity to spotlight Livepeer’s capabilities in real-world applications, aligning with the network’s broader mission to drive adoption and innovation.
Mission
As Livepeer positions itself at the forefront of real-time AI video pipelines, this program offers a crucial step in showcasing practical applications of its technology. The mission is to:
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Showcase how real-time AI video can enhance creative industries through artist-driven projects.
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Foster a community of creators exploring innovative uses for Livepeer’s technology.
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Deliver measurable engagement, adoption, and visibility for Livepeer’s platform.
Our deep roots in the digital arts community give us access to both ‘blue chip’ artists and emerging creators, ensuring a diverse range of talent is onboarded to the Livepeer ecosystem. With over 10 years of experience in digital arts—including cofounder Malcolm Levy’s tenure at New Inc and founding of the New Forms Festival—Refraction brings unparalleled expertise to this initiative.
This program aligns with the broader goals of Livepeer by using tangible use cases to inspire adoption and innovation, reinforcing Livepeer’s role as a leader in decentralized video infrastructure.
Rationale
This program addresses the need for real-world demonstrations of Livepeer’s potential, particularly in the emerging field of real-time AI video. Refraction’s reputation and curated activations have consistently drawn audiences and creators from outside the Web3 space, including Web2 communities. By collaborating with local creator networks and attracting crossover talent, we ensure Livepeer tools are adopted by a broader, more diverse user base.
By supporting creators and showcasing their work, the initiative will:
● Highlight Livepeer’s unique strengths in AI-powered media transformations.
● Build a community of developers and creators who actively use the network.
● Inspire broader adoption of Livepeer’s infrastructure through high-profile activations and digital showcases.
Key Terms
● AI-Powered Creativity: Leveraging Livepeer’s tools to apply real-time video transformations and data integration in creative projects.
● Creative Activations: Livepeer tentpole event at EthDenver blending technology, art, and culture to engage audiences.
SPE Governance Structure
● Core Team: Refraction will lead project execution, including artist curation, event production, and technical integration.
● Community Involvement: Broaden the grant committee to include voices from the Livepeer community to foster transparency and collaboration.
● Public Accountability: Publish detailed reports on funding allocations, project outcomes, and key insights to ensure alignment with Livepeer’s open ethos.
Milestones and Timeline
Key Milestones:
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December 2024: SPE approval, outreach to artists, and initial ETHDenver planning.
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January 2025: Launch full program; initiate artist workshops and project development.
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February 2025: Execute ETHDenver activation, showcasing Livepeer-powered projects.
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March 2025: Publish post-event report, distribute retroactive grants, and expand digital distribution efforts.
Timeline:
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December 2024: Approval of SPE, outreach, and initial Denver production holds.
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January 2025: Program launch, artist onboarding, and preparatory workshops.
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February 2025: Event execution and project showcases.
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March 2025: Post-event reporting and distribution.
Manpower, Tools, and Partnerships
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Manpower: Event producers, technologists, marketing specialists, and curators.
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Tools: Livepeer’s video streaming and real-time AI tools (e.g., Titles.xyz, Regenerate); communication platforms (Discord, Telegram, Towns).
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Partnerships: Collaboration with Refraction, local artists, and ecosystem projects (eg,. UFO Club, The Lot Radio).
Budget Breakdown
Total Request: 4,000 LPT tokens.
- Funding Grants for Artists (35%): 1,400 LPT.
○ Grants for 50–100 artists leveraging Livepeer tools for real-time AI-powered creations.
- Event Costs (30%): 1,200 LPT.
○ Covers ETHDenver production, equipment rentals, and event logistics.
- Team Costs (35%): 1400 LPT.
○ Support for ecosystem growth via curation, artist workshops, and technical implementation. Includes marketing costs - promotional content, digital distribution efforts, and post-event reporting.
Timeline for Fund Use
● December 2024: 50% of the total tokens allocated to cover pre-event planning, initial production costs, and marketing.
● January–February 2025: 40% of the total tokens used for event execution, including grants distribution, equipment rental, and staffing.
● March 2025: 10% of the total tokens reserved for post-event reporting and retroactive funding to highlight standout creator projects.
Expected Outcomes
KPIs:
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Number of artists funded: At least 50 creators actively using Livepeer tools.
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Number of AI-powered artworks created: Significant contributions by supported artists.
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Network engagement: Increase in fees generated by artists and orchestrators.
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Adoption metrics: Growth in creators integrating Livepeer’s infrastructure.
Reporting:
- Publish a detailed post-event report in March 2025, including:
○ Artist feedback and outputs.
○ Engagement statistics and lessons learned.
○ Media coverage and adoption metrics.
- Community Engagement: Solicit public feedback to improve future activations.
The Opportunity
By funding artist projects and showcasing their work, Livepeer can highlight its capabilities as a leader in decentralized video infrastructure and inspire broader adoption across industries. Through Refraction’s extensive network and proven ability to attract crossover audiences, this program ensures Livepeer tools will reach creators and communities both inside and outside of Web3.
Team
Why Our Team’s Experience Matters
The Refraction team brings a unique combination of expertise in culture, art, and technology, positioning us to effectively drive adoption of Livepeer AI tech. Our co-founders and team members have decades of experience in creative industries, digital innovation, and building global networks. This blend of skills ensures we can attract top talent, onboard creators to Livepeer’s tools, and execute high-impact programs that drive adoption.
Malcolm Levy (Founder)
Malcolm is a seasoned curator and founder of the New Forms Festival, a globally recognized platform for exploring the intersection of art and technology. His extensive experience includes curating exhibitions and working with pioneering digital artists. Malcolm’s tenure at New Inc, the New Museum’s incubator for art and technology, underscores his ability to foster innovation and build communities around emerging platforms.
Raf Katigbak (Co-Founder)
With over 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and head of creative at VICE, Raf brings deep storytelling expertise and a knack for engaging diverse audiences. His ability to craft compelling narratives ensures that Refraction’s initiatives resonate both within and beyond Web3 communities.
Greg Liburd (Co-Founder)
Greg is an artist and technologist who has built digital communities for global brands. At Blast Radius, he led the creation of digital strategies for Nike Air Jordan, driving engagement through innovative campaigns. Greg’s expertise in community building and digital ecosystems is instrumental to the success of this program.
Additional Team Members
Our broader team includes individuals with significant experience in creative industries:
- Contributors to Boiler Room, known for its cutting-edge cultural programming.
- Collaborators with visionary creators like Virgil Abloh, demonstrating the ability to bridge high-profile art, culture, and technology.
This team’s combined expertise uniquely positions us to execute this initiative, attract top-tier talent, and ensure Livepeer’s tools reach creators and communities both inside and outside Web3.
We are excited to share this proposal with the Livepeer community and welcome your feedback to help refine and strengthen our approach. Your insights are invaluable in ensuring the alignment of this SPE and in guiding Livepeer’s broader mission to drive adoption and innovation.