Panel Discussion: Beyond the Hype: Technology as Cultural Infrastructure: Untitled Art, Miami Beach

After the speculative frenzy surrounding NFTs, this conversation reframes the question of digital art by shifting from market-driven hype to cultural substance. The panel will consider how blockchain, digital networks, immersive media, and smart contracts are evolving into cultural infrastructure—reshaping authorship, preservation, access, and creative survivability, particularly in contexts where traditional art ecosystems fall short.

Highlighting perspectives from MENASA+, AAPI, and diasporic communities, the discussion will examine how technology can preserve cultural memory, provide autonomy for marginalized creators, expand global support networks, and open new models for patronage and community-building.

Co-moderated by Kavi Gupta (Founder, Kavi Gupta Gallery) and Rodrigo Esmela (CEO, Arcual), with panelists Vivek Jayaram (Attorney and Art-Tech Advisor, Jayaram Law), Amar Singh (Activist Collector and Co-Founder, Rewind Collective), and Alex Simorré (Founder, Load Gallery).