The Opaleo NFT project

The project, launching 1 September, will aim to raise funds for ADI through the sale of a collection of photographs in the form of NFTs.

On 1 September, Dutch-Italian entrepreneur Filippo Chisari will be launching the Opaleo (‘Grandpa Leo’ in Dutch) project to raise money for Alzheimer’s Disease International.

The project is a series of photographs taken by Filippo’s grandfather throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, each of which will be available to purchase as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token).

The pictures exist as both digital images and physically as actual photographs. Those who purchase a photograph will have intellectual property rights to the image and will receive the NFT, as well as the physical photo.

Filippo said: “My grandfather Leo was a World War 2 Holocaust survivor and photographer who travelled around the world capturing scenes of local life. His photographs were taken during twenty years of travels throughout Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Zambia, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France and the United States.

Filippo, who assists tech organisations with their Go-To-Market, enabling them to evangelise their products and build their audiences, realized NFTs could have a ‘use for good’ as he began to further explore their use in the digital sphere.

Nikki Bayliss, Head of Development, said: “It is such a privilege to work with Filippo on this exciting, innovative project, which not only brings a treasure trove of historical photographs into the digital world, it will also help to raise awareness of dementia and to raise vital funds for ADI’s work. We are excited to see the project evolve, to be part of this inventive approach to fundraising, and our huge thanks go to Filippo for his commitment and support of ADI.

On why Filippo chose to create the project in support of ADI, he said: “A few members of my family were and are to this day affected by this illness, slowly taking loved ones away from us.”

I felt compelled to contribute my part and was lucky enough to receive the utmost support from the ADI team. Raising funds in exchange for art in such a technologically groundbreaking and innovative way is no trivial effort.

More information about the Opaleo project, including the availability of photographs for purchase from 1 September, can be found the project’s website.

Visit the Opaleo project website

To help our audiences further understand the project, Filippo has answered some of the most frequently asked questions around NFTs.
What is an NFT?

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are digital tokens that link ownership to unique items, such as memberships, tickets, real estate contracts, music, videos, images or in this case, photographs! NFTs may be considered modern-day collectibles.

They can be easily purchased directly via credit card on NFT marketplaces, by converting money into cryptocurrency to enable the transaction. The marketplace will open a unique crypto-wallet with you, through a simple Chrome extension, and you will have with your unique access codes, that will belong only to you.

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is any form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions. Cryptocurrencies don’t have a central issuing or regulating authority, instead using a decentralized system to record transactions and issue new units. NFTs can be purchased using cryptocurrencies for the transaction.

Are NFTs safe?

The technology underlying NFTs is generally secure. Major brands around the world have been launching NFTs, including Time magazine, Coca-Cola and Nike.

There are always those with bad intentions, who misuse anonymity to scam buyers who are unaware of how the technology works and do not understand the risks. In general, it is important to make sure you know the marketplace you are buying from is genuine and that the seller has the rights to sell the NFT. It’s important to safeguard the access details for your digital wallet.

The Opaleo NFTs will be on OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace. Filippo is very much not anonymous, and the photos are by his grandfather. Buyers will receive the physical photo as well as the NFT. Filippo is happy to answer questions and explain the process to anyone who needs clarification.

I’ve heard NFTs and cryptocurrencies are bad for the environment?

The Opaleo project will live on the Polygon blockchain, which seeks to be sustainable. It does not involve the “proof of work” mechanism, which consumes a lot of energy, but instead utilizes “proof of stake”. Polygon has become carbon neutral through carbon offsetting and aims to be carbon negative by the end of 2022.

Where can I learn more?

If you have any questions or need further clarification on the Opaleo project or NFTs, feel free to reach out to Filippo via email or on LinkedIn.

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