10096794Project Catalyst: tackling the lack of accessibility in the art world by opening new outlets for digital artists through Web3ClosedInvestment AcceleratorInnovate UKAurelia Islimye, solo founder of the first independent visual art label Bleur, is leading the way in tackling the lack of accessibility in the art world by opening new outlets for digital artists through Web3\. Handpicking the most promising talents and championing emerging voices to challenge the status quo, Bleur has a unique innovative business model combining the traditional model of a talent-feeder gallery with a strong avant-garde advocacy voice establishing itself as the first independent visual art label. Aurelia says, "Having not come from the art world and despite having achieved recognition for high-profile partnerships with brands and institutions, I have often felt disillusioned and powerless when it came to the art world. Investing in artists at the start of their career and handpicking the talents of tomorrow, our role as a talent-feeder gallery is vital to the ecosystem of the art world. However, the physical art world remains incredibly closed with gatekeepers creating high barriers to entry for new galleries. Talent-feeder galleries enable new talents to come through the ranks and put the spotlight on a much-needed diversity of voices, but too often once emerging artists start gathering interest, established galleries sign them in exclusivity preventing talent-feeder galleries to rip the fruits of new talent discovery. On the artist side, despite London being the second art capital in the world after New York, very few emerging artists achieve success without existing connections to the art world or substantial capital which results in incredibly talented emerging artists giving up due to lack of support. But it doesn't have to be this way. With recent developments in Web3, we can transition towards a more inclusive and equitable art world. For me, this project is about empowerment by thinking outside the box."