Refraction Newsletter 93

TOKYO>PARIS>NYC>DENVER - The IRL World Tour Begins ⚡️

This February marks a defining moment in cultural history as we introduce IRL - a new token and blockchain that transforms how we experience, share, and value culture. Through a series of unique activations across four global cities, you'll be among the first to participate in this evolution of engagement.

Each stop on our world tour features its own distinctive blend of art, music, and technology. Every interaction earns you IRL points - digital proof of your cultural participation that unlocks exclusive experiences, access, and rewards.

Ready to shape the future of culture?

🗼 REFRACTION x DIG SHIBUYA: IN REAL LIFE

February 10th, 2025
Midnight - 1:00 AM
Location: Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Our journey begins at the world's most iconic digital canvas - Shibuya Crossing. In partnership with DIG SHIBUYA and Zora, Asia's leading digital art platform, we're transforming the world's busiest intersection into an immersive celebration of digital art and culture.

"IRL: In Real Life" features work from over 20 leading digital artists, displayed across Shibuya's massive LED screens. Available on Zora each artwork collected earns IRL points, creating a new relationship between public art and cultural participation. This launch sets the stage for future public art activations globally.

Curators

Asuka Watanabe, Benoit.Tokyo, David Clark lV, Ehara Saeko, Genki Nishida, JACKSON kaki, Kate Armstrong

Visual Artists

100LDK, Antonia San Martin, Asuka Watanabe, Emi Kusano, exp (x) Hana Watanabe, Genki Nishida, Hiromu OkaI, TOAOI, Jack J [Mood Hut Record], JACKSON kaki, Manami Sakamoto, Michael Tippett, Minori Murata, Mirai Shikiyamamisato, NAXS Group, nico ito, Nicolas Sassoon, Saeko Ehara x Sky Goodman x Riniifish, Sam Rolfes, SEOHYO, SVDP, XTRUX, YOSHIROTTEN, ZAP!

🗝️ LEDGER 106 EXPERIENCE: THE HEART OF NFT PARIS

February 12-14, 2024
Location: 106 rue du Temple, Paris

As NFT Paris takes over the city, Ledger's stunning new headquarters becomes the epicenter of digital culture. Over three days, 106 transforms into a living canvas where technology, art, and community converge in unprecedented ways.

Rendered Frequencies

Our flagship exhibition, co-curated with Art Blocks, reimagines how we encounter digital art in physical space. Experience works by pioneering artists Anna Lucia, Fingacode, Kim Asendorf, Agoria, and Linda Dounia as they break free from the screen, creating dialogues between code and architecture. Leander Herzog's site-specific realtime animation installation evolves continuously, responding to the space and its inhabitants throughout each evening.

Immersive Activations

• OpenSea's intimate brunch connects artists, collectors, and innovators

• OCM Bar by OnChainMonkey showcases Bitcoin's first 10k NFT collection

• Generative Goods presents algorithmic fashion through custom embroidery

• Emily Edelman's bespoke Ledger Stax installation

• Exclusive IRL checkpoint system with limited edition patches

Saoirse headlines the music lineup for Ledger 106 Experience

Soundscapes

Night falls to the curated sounds of:

• Saoirse, Deatra, Céline Sundae

Cultural Partners

We're proud to unite visionaries across the digital art landscape:

• Ledger, OpenSea, OnChainMonkey, Generative Goods, Art Blocks, Decrypt, Rug Radio and Mingles Tequila

This isn't just an event - it's a milestone in the evolution of cultural spaces, where security meets creativity, and digital meets physical. Experience the future of art at the intersection of community, technology, and culture.

IRL Integration

• Three interactive checkpoints throughout the space

• Exclusive patch drops via custom vending machine

• Special IRL point rewards

🗽 REFRACTION x APTOS: NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT

February 13, 2024
Location: Lume Studios, New York

The energy of our global tour reaches Manhattan as we celebrate two momentous occasions: Aptos' Xponential ecosystem summit and the North American debut of $IRL Protocol. At the cutting-edge Lume Studios, we're uniting the city's most vibrant communities for an unforgettable night.

Experience

• Immersive soundscapes by NYC legend TORIBIO

• Art installations merging physical and digital realms from Refraction & AllShips

• Special IRL activation featuring Future Primitive's Perma Checkoint photobooth - print your presence and earn points in one click

• Special announcements from the Aptos ecosystem

NYC's Toribio brings his signature sound to Lume for Refraction x Aptos

Community

We're bringing together our closest collaborators and community members:

• Aptos: Building the world's most reliable Layer 1 blockchain

• Towns: Pioneering social infrastructure

• AllShips: Leading the future of creative tools

• Zora: Defining the next generation of creative platforms

This intimate gathering celebrates the communities that have been core to Refraction since day one, now united in shaping the future of cultural experiences.

RSVP required

🏔️ DENVER: ETHDENVER TAKEOVER

WalletCon 2024 Denver, Colorado

Following our successful curation at WalletCon Bangkok, we return to push the boundaries of wallet-based cultural experiences. Collecting from our carefully curated art program lets attendees earn IRL points through meaningful engagement with digital art.

WalletCon Program

• Curated digital art exhibitions

• Exclusive point-earning opportunities through art interaction

• Keynote presentation exploring IRL's vision for the future of cultural participation

WalletCon x Refraction Afterparty

Location: ESP HiFi Join us for an intimate night at Denver's premier listening bar featuring a special set by Refraction regular Danny Daze. Experience pristine sound in one of North America's finest audio environments.Space is extremely limited - RSVP details coming soon.

Danny Daze brings his selector sounds to ESP Hifi listening bar in Denver

Special Announcement 

Stay tuned for details about a separate event with Syndicate.io, where we'll reveal our groundbreaking IRL Layer 3 infrastructure and testnet launch. More info coming soon.

That’s a wrap! Thanks as always for supporting our mission to champion digital arts and culture.