Global payments processing giant Mastercard has blurred the lines between the music industry and the non-fungible realm with its latest reveal. The brand announced the launch of the free Mastercard Music Pass NFTs that confer access to benefits within the company's newly launched Artist Accelerator Program.
The Mastercard Artist Accelerator program is designed to support emerging musicians in the industry to boost their Web3 music careers. The payment processor has selected five artists across the globe to benefit from the new accelerator program.
The limited-edition Mastercard Music Pass NFT is the next step within Mastercard’s groundbreaking program. Housed and developed in collaboration with Polygon as part of a continued partnership, it will be available for minting by music and web3 artists and fans for free until the end of April 2023.
By owning a Music Pass NFT, artists, and enthusiasts can access educational resources and AI tools to fast-track their popularity and sharpen their musical skills. In addition, holders can reach five web3 mentors who will aid them with ideas for monetizing their skills using blockchain technology and building a healthy community of fans.
Raja Rajamannar, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard, echoed in a press release the company's vision of bringing blockchain technology to its large audience when he said:
"As a company, we hope to help people and partners around the world better understand and trust how blockchain and digital assets are used – and how our technology can support the ecosystem. We also believe that Web3 can be a powerful tool in connecting people and building communities around shared universal passions."
Mastercard's unwavering commitment to innovation is evident in its relentless pursuit of pushing the limits of what a brand adopting blockchain technology can achieve. The recent launch of Mastercard's accelerator program and music pass collectibles showcase the company's pioneering spirit and dedication to exploring new frontiers in the blockchain space.