Claiming Place On-Chain: A Blockchain Art Collaboration at the University of Kansas
A look at how Ripple’s UBRI funds bring together art, memory, and community through blockchain at KU
Claiming Place On-Chain: A Blockchain Art Collaboration at the University of Kansas
Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) is funding a bold collaboration at the University of Kansas (KU) that blends blockchain with community storytelling and contemporary art. Led by KU’s Institute for Information Sciences (I2S) and the Spencer Museum of Art, the project invites engineers, artists, and community members to explore how blockchain can help people reclaim space, memory, and digital expression.
A collaboration that spans tech, art, and community
This project sits at the intersection of coding, curatorial practice, and lived experience. It brings together researchers who study the social impact of technology with artists who want to reframe ownership and storytelling through decentralized systems. By connecting the Spencer Museum of Art with KU’s I2S, the team is crafting a space where communities can document their histories and places in a verifiable, on-chain format.
How the project works
Key ideas include metaverse real estate, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and on-chain storytelling. Digital wallets and blockchain-based records are used to capture and verify contributions from participants. The goal is to create an open, inclusive platform where people can describe ownership and memory in their own words, and have those descriptions archived in an immutable ledger.
Meet the people and places behind the work
- Dr. Perry Alexander, Director of the Institute for Information Sciences, leads the research effort that blends engineering, software design, and social impact.
- The Spencer Museum of Art provides a space where artistry and technology can meet community memory.
- Artists Stephanie Dinkins and Simon Denny contribute as collaborators who push the boundaries of art and technology.
- KU students and developers participate through the KU Blockchain Institute, the KU Blockchain Fellowship, and related programs.
Why UBRI matters
UBRI funding is often the catalyst that turns interdisciplinary ideas into tangible projects. For this collaboration, the gift supports both artistic exploration and technical experimentation, freeing researchers to think about blockchain as a tool for social change rather than just a tech novelty. The result is a project that not only showcases blockchain’s creative potential but also tests how open-source tools and community input can shape responsible, equitable technology.
What’s next and how to get involved
The team plans a public release and ongoing iterations that invite user participation. They are also emphasizing open-source development and broader XRPL (XRP Ledger) community engagement, so others can experiment with the platform and contribute ideas.
If you’re curious about how to get involved, consider these paths:
- Explore open-source components related to wallet technology, on-chain records, and collaborative mapping.
- Join or follow updates from the XRPL community to stay informed about tools and best practices.
- Look for opportunities through KU’s I2S and the KU Blockchain Institute to participate in events or hackathons that blend art and technology.
Takeaways for readers new to blockchain and art
- Blockchain can serve as a memory-safe archive for community stories and spaces.
- The intersection of art and technology can present unique design challenges, but collaboration with artists often leads to more intuitive and meaningful products.
- Support from programs like UBRI can accelerate interdisciplinary work that aims to benefit the public.
Final thoughts
The KU collaboration exemplifies how blockchain, memory, and place can come together to empower communities. By documenting claims to space in an open, verifiable way, and by inviting artists and communities to shape the narrative, this project points toward a future where technology serves storytelling, equity, and collective ownership. For educators, artists, developers, and community organizers, it offers a blueprint for thoughtful, inclusive experimentation with the XRPL ecosystem.
Check out Ripple Insights for more stories from the UBRI Campus Collaborations series, and tune into UBRI’s All About Blockchain podcast for the latest on education, adoption, and innovation in partnership with global universities.