In the intimate ballet of contemporary culture, where tradition meets progression, The Baking Sheet unfurls yet another chapter, inviting readers to traverse the exciting crossovers of art, technology, and community within the Tezos ecosystem.

In an exhilarating twist, the Oxford proposal for Tezos, which teetered on the precipice of uncertainty, met its quorum in the eleventh hour. As the deadline loomed large, the community held its breath, watching as the final hours dwindled. The collective power of the Tezos community was vividly on display when Bakers, the foundational players in the Tezos ecosystem, rallied over the weekend. Their coordinated efforts, characterized by swift decision-making and collaboration, ensured that the proposal triumphantly advanced to the next stage of the governance mechanism.

This week's edition captures the audacious energy of Cordell Broadus, alias Champ Medici, as he unveils the first remarkable cohort of creatives under a philanthropic alliance with the Tezos Foundation. They are the vanguards of an innovative arts wave, their works not just visual delights but deeply meaningful narratives echoing from every corner of society.

Venturing further, gaming transforms as Tezos and the enchanting world of BattleTabs seamlessly interweave, signaling the impending future where the play is not just leisure, but an intricate tapestry of strategy, creativity, and blockchain prowess. For those whose nocturnal pursuits align with the vibrant beats of Elysium's nightlife, a playful AI challenge awaits.

Tezos' communal spirit radiates brighter as Austin gets ready to brim with enthusiasm, drinks, and discourse. Meanwhile, Singapore's revered ArtScience Museum readies its space for a deep dive into the mystical realms where art, NFTs, and AI converge, offering a poignant reflection on the state and future of generative artistry.

Closing this week’s act, the developmental crescendo within Tezos is palpable as Marigold and TriliTech bring the Ghostnet Community DAC to life, and Baking Bad, ever the steadfast beacon of Tezos innovation, illuminates the path for developers with a slew of new features.

Thus, in this luminous mosaic of events, creations, and innovations, we hope you find inspiration, knowledge, and the profound connections that make the Tezos universe so resplendent.

Tezos Foundation and Champ Medici Announce First Cohort of Recipients for $1 Million Arts Fund

Cordell Broadus, also known as Champ Medici, in partnership with the Tezos Foundation, today announced the successful selection of the first cohort of exceptional creatives who will receive funding and support through the Champ Medici Arts Fund. This $1 million initiative is dedicated to empowering and fostering emerging artists in their creative journey, enabling them to reach new heights and make a lasting impact on the global creator community.

The Champ Medici Arts Fund is at its core a philanthropic effort in partnership with The Tezos Foundation to support emerging and legacy musicians and creatives across the globe on the Tezos blockchain. Launched at Art Basel Miami in 2022, the fund was inspired by Cordell Broadus' vision to provide up and coming artists access to innovative forms of artistic expression and opportunities to unlock their true potential. The selection committee has identified a group of diverse and remarkable artists, each showcasing a unique perspective and creative flair. The Tezos blockchain was chosen for it’s rich artistic community, it’s energy-efficiency, and its pioneering efforts to drive creativity and innovation in web3.

The selected creatives for the first cohort represent a wide range of artistic disciplines, from traditional to contemporary, and are poised to make a significant impact on the art world. Their passion and dedication to their craft were evident in their applications, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring.

The recipients of the Champ Medici Arts Fund's inaugural cohort are as follows:

Laurie Marqueton presents 1-800-GOODTIME

A vibrant, upbeat track Laurie used to express herself as the artist she aspires to be without the controls and limitations placed on her by society, culture, and being an AAPI woman in the industry.

Uzumaki Cepeda presents (FUR)NITURE

A collection of ten faux fur furniture pieces centered around giving people a sense of safety and comfort through physical and digital objects and space.

Malachi Wright presents Amerikaz Most Wanted: Redemption

Representing rappers from the West Coast, particularly those from Death Row Records, this collection gives each piece an Old Western cowboy theme while still holding elements that are significant to each featured artist: YG, Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, and Dr Dre.

Cory Anne Roberts presents PINUP PACKS

A collection of digital trading cards featuring retro pinup style imagery. The 3D cards rotate to the backside where interesting facts about each model are presented in both text and audio format.

Reggie Couz presents Sweet Melanin

An important part of Reggie’s creative practice is honoring the women in his community, which has led him to write Sweet Melanin– a song that’s completely dedicated to the beauty that Black women exude. This NFT project will be centered around uplifting and celebrating Black women, and creating art around them that amplifies their beauty and culture.

For more information on the Champ Medici Arts Fund

Fusing Tezos and Gaming: Elevating Battletabs with Blockchain

Why it matters: The gaming world is about to see an excellent use case for blockchain gaming, and the union of Trilitech with Gangbusters epitomizes this shift. By imbuing BattleTabs with Web3 capabilities through the Tezos blockchain, they're redefining what interactive gameplay can look like.

Unpacking BattleTabs: The game has carved a niche with its intricate strategy mechanics. Boasting a strong community and more than a million downloads, BattleTabs is no ordinary game—it's an experience. This popularity makes it ripe for the innovative approach by Trilitech to integrate Tezos capabilities directly into the game.

Enter the Era of BattleTabs Cards: These digital collectibles, aptly named "BattleTabs Cards," promise a fresh layer of depth for players. They're tradeable, have varying rarity, and offer unique in-game benefits. But there's more beneath the surface. Powered by Tezos, these cards merge the gaming realm with the world of blockchain, ensuring energy efficiency and swift processing. Their introduction heralds the possibility of novel game concepts, even potentially spawning tournaments centered on these cards.

What you need to know:

• BattleTabs is a strategic multiplayer game with over a million downloads.

• Trilitech is driving the integration of Web3 features into the game using the Tezos blockchain.

• BattleTabs Cards are new digital collectibles that can be traded and offer in-game advantages.

• This collaboration paves the way for future gaming innovations, like card-centric tournaments.

What this means for gaming: This collaboration goes beyond merely introducing features—it's about reshaping gaming. By seamlessly integrating digital collectibles into BattleTabs, players can experience newer interactions. This evolution sets the stage for a world where players are not just consumers but active participants in co-creating their gaming universe.

The bigger picture: The fusion of blockchain and gaming is more than a trend—it's the future. As gaming gravitates towards more interactive and community-driven models, the alliance of Trilitech and Gangbusters offers a preview of what's on the horizon.

Go deeper: Discover more about BattleTabs and its pioneering journey into Web3.

But wait, there's more! The Web3 integration into BattleTabs isn’t the only endeavor linked with the Tezos blockchain this week. Efe Kucuk, a product manager from Trilitech, recently launched an AI mini-game named 'Convince the Bouncer.'

Taking to X to announce the release, Kucuk playfully challenged players to sway the bouncer and gain entry into the Elysium, the crème de la crème of nightclubs. The game can be experienced firsthand at Convince the Bouncer. And for those who manage to snag a VIP Pass? Well, let's just say they might be in for a particularly "special" treat.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Sip, Mingle, and Learn: Tezos and ATC's Exclusive Tech Evening

Austin, TX - A refreshing mix of technology, drinks, and community is in the forecast, as Tezos collaborates with the Austin Tech Collective (ATC) to host a relaxed evening of networking and camaraderie. The event is geared towards anyone keen on learning about the Tezos Blockchain, diving deep into its thriving Texas community, or merely expanding their professional and social networks in the tech ecosystem.

Event Details:

• Free Drinks: Thanks to the generous sponsorship by Tezos Texas, early arrivals will enjoy a complimentary drink. Make sure to come early to kick off the evening in style!

• Exclusive Tezos Swag: Don't miss out on the limited-edition Tezos merchandise up for grabs.

• Insightful Interactions: Engage in rich conversations with Tezos Developer Advocates, Claude Barde and Sasha Aldrick. Plus, meet Emmanuel, the Tezos Texas representative, for a deep dive into the local Tezos community.

• The Venue: Hopsquad Brewing stands out with its exquisite craft beers, delightful cocktails, and an ambiance to match, making it the perfect spot for this gathering.

How to Join: RSVP your spot for the event by following this link.

Stay in the loop with the Tezos community by following them on Twitter and joining the ATC private LinkedIn Group.

The big picture: Singapore's renowned ArtScience Museum, in partnership with TZ APAC, introduces an avant-garde exhibit, "Notes From the Ether: From NFTs to AI." Scheduled from August 19 to September 24, 2023, this innovative installation beckons visitors to not just observe, but actively craft digital generative art.

Why it matters: The global reception of generative art swings between awe and critique. In this transformative period, exhibits like these, especially with Tezos at the helm, make powerful statements on the rightful place of generative art in contemporary culture.

Key Details:

• Exhibition Duration: August 19 to September 24, 2023.

• Generative Artists: "Notes From the Ether" showcases 20 of them.

• Exhibition Zones: The exhibit is compartmentalized into seven distinctive zones.

• Tezos and Generative Art: Generative art has been an integral part of the Tezos community since Fxhash's 2021 inception.

• Interactive Elements: Aluan Wang's "Chaos & AI Research" allows visitors to interact, create, and mint unique NFTs.

• Venue Legacy: Situated at Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum is a blend of art, science, technology, and culture.

Driving the news: Aluan Wang, not just the founder of Tezos NFT marketplace akaSwap but also a passionate generative artist, stands as a central figure behind this exhibit. His segment "Chaos & AI Research" offers visitors an insider view into the NFT minting process on Tezos.

Between the lines: The ArtScience Museum isn't just a venue; it's a symbol of art's evolution. With exhibitions that have spanned from Leonardo da Vinci to Salvador Dalí, to now digital and generative artists, it embraces all facets of artistic expression.

Go deeper: To experience this blend of technology and art, secure your spot through the ArtScience Museum's website.

This Week in Tezos Development

Ghostnet Community DAC is Alive | Marigold

Marigold and TriliTech have successfully launched the Ghostnet Community DAC on the Tezos network.

Key Points to Note:

• Innovative Collaboration: Marigold and TriliTech join hands to bolster the Tezos network's capability.

• Understanding DAC: The Data Availability Committee (DAC) is a game-changer, allowing off-chain storage of transaction data for smart rollups, thereby enhancing Tezos Smart Rollups' transaction volume.

• Infrastructure Breakdown: Community DAC boasts of 1 Coordinator managed by Marigold, 3 Members (2 by Marigold & 1 by TriliTech), and 2 Observers equally managed by both.

• User-Friendly Tutorial: A guide is provided detailing how to push data to Community DAC, retrieve the associated certificate, and subsequently fetch the original data.

• Experimental Phase: It's pivotal to note that the Community DAC is in its trial phase, hence it's recommended for testing purposes only.

• Upcoming Features: Keep an eye out for the forthcoming article on establishing your own DAC infrastructure tailored for Smart Rollups.

For a deeper dive into the world of Ghostnet Community DAC and to remain updated with their advancements, enthusiasts are directed to the original blog post.

Massive BCD Update | Baking Bad

Baking Bad reveals new features to enhance Smart Rollup development on the Tezos platform.

Key Points to Note:

• Innovative Features: Baking Bad unveils a suite of BCD features specifically crafted for Tezos developers. The newly introduced tools comprise Periodic Teztnets, Ticket updates support, and Indexing of smart rollups and related tasks.

• In-depth Insights: For those eager to explore, visuals of minting and transfers are now available. Importantly, transfers and updates are flexible and can take place through diverse operations: transactions, transfer tickets, and execute outbox messages. Check here for details.

• Ticket Capabilities: Just as tokens have burn functionality, tickets also possess the ability to be burned. A comprehensive list of ticket updates can be found under the designated "Tickets" tab on the ticketer page.

• Network Fluidity: The new update promotes seamless switching between the main and periodic networks, amplifying the development experience.

• TzKT Integration: In a commendable move, TzKT now offers support for Tezos tickets. Developers can easily fetch all ticket-related data, from mints and burns to transfers, balances, and even historical balances via the TzKT API. Discover more about this feature here.

Kudos to Baking Bad, a cornerstone within the Tezos ecosystem, consistently showcasing their dedication and development prowess. Their commitment to innovation is evident as they persistently roll out new features and products, solidifying a pivotal role in evolving Tezos landscape.

Now Streaming

TezTalks Radio 64: Building Tezos with Emma Turner

In this week's episode we sit down with Emma Turner, software engineer at TriliTech and just recently demonstrating how Tezos can perform 1 million TPS.

Tune in and learn more about the people building on Tezos!

Where to Watch:

Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon Music

YouTube