The “501 Alchemist” NFT project is rooted in the metaverse but aims to make real-world change. The upcoming drop, consisting of three tiers of physical and metaverse collectibles, will offer up a portion of their revenue to communities affected by gun violence via automated blockchain smart contracts.
Crafted by innovation studio Maverick Create and sneaker designer Tuan Le — known for his work on the Reebok Freestyle and Alien Stomper, AND1 Tai Chi, Mizuno Wave Rider and more — the “501 Alchemist” sneaker drop is broken into three tiers: Terra and Aer are open editions with physical and metaverse collectibles (priced at $350 USD and $1,950 USD respectively,) while the highest tier — Igni — is a one-of-one auction piece. Every holder will receive digitally wearable versions of their meta-sneakers that can be worn on their metaverse avatars, and the project is exploring potential integration with other metaverses down the line.
Half of all primary and secondary sale royalties will go directly to Humanium Metal, an innovation created by Swedish NGO IM that takes illegal weapons and turns them into commercial materials. Over 12,000 weapons in El Salvador, the U.S. and Zambia have been transformed into Humanium Metal.
The “501 Alchemist” sneaker drop will be available in partnership with Nifty Gateway on April 13.
In other news, the CFDA has launched a metaverse and NFT education program.