The Data Availability Layer is Live on Tezos Mainnet

A major milestone has landed: the Data Availability Layer (DAL) is officially live on Tezos. The rollup booster activated at block #9,057,834, with over 145 bakers deploying DAL attester nodes and contributing to the first-ever DAL-attested slot on mainnet. The activation marks a critical step forward in unlocking scalable, decentralized applications on Tezos.

So what exactly is the DAL, and why does it matter?

At its core, the Data Availability Layer allows rollups to handle massive amounts of transaction data without bloating Layer 1, ensuring that other rollup nodes can access and verify transactions independently. In simpler terms, it’s the answer to: “How can Tezos scale to millions of transactions per second without compromising on decentralization?”

To understand the DAL’s importance, we need to zoom out to the bigger picture of Tezos Smart Rollups, which post commitments to Layer 1 but need a way to share the underlying data for verification. Previously, this data had to be stored directly on-chain—limiting throughput and slowing scalability.

Solutions like Data Availability Committees (DACs) provided a short-term workaround by offloading data storage to trusted third parties. But the DAL takes this concept a leap further by turning Tezos bakers themselves into decentralized storage validators. Using clever techniques like data availability sampling, the DAL allows any node to verify that data is accessible without trusting a central authority.

This upgrade turns Tezos into a rare breed: a decentralized protocol that can actually scale without sacrificing the principles it was built on.

And here’s the kicker, bakers who aren’t running DAL attester nodes? You’re leaving rewards on the table. Participating bakers can earn an additional 10% in rewards by setting up their DAL nodes.

How does it work?

1. Users submit transactions to rollups, which process them and commit the result to Layer 1.

2. The DAL stores the raw transaction data off-chain, making it available for any node to verify.

3. Through sampling, nodes can confirm the data is truly available without needing to download it all.

By separating data availability from execution and consensus, the DAL unlocks massive throughput while preserving Tezos’ values of decentralization and resilience.

 Follow this tutorial to get set up and take part in this next chapter of Tezos.

With the DAL now live, Tezos is no longer just theorizing about scalable rollups, it’s actually delivering them.

Meet the Newest Tezos Trailblazers Batch #2

The next batch of Tezos Trailblazers has arrived, each one bringing their own energy, expertise, and deep commitment to growing the Tezos ecosystem across art, community, and culture. These Trailblazers aren’t just participants; they’re building pathways, onboarding others, and keeping the Tezos spirit alive in every corner of the world.

Let’s meet the latest cohort:

• Lucas (lucasoxx_) – A glitch artist and cultural builder since 2021, Lucas is co-founder of NewtroArts, where he hosts onboarding workshops and supports LATAM artists through community-first efforts.

• Leo (moneyevery3days) – Based in Perth, Leo is a baker and creative organizer bringing the community together through consistent local events that highlight Tezos’ diverse ecosystem.

• Rocketgirl (rocketgirlART) – A digital artist and curator with a background in blockchain marketing, Rocketgirl has long supported the discovery and promotion of artists across Web3, making waves in both curation and collection.

• Scott (spike_0124) – A cornerstone of artist onboarding efforts via TEIA Fountain, Scott is a core team member of TEIA and CIND, an ACTZ curator, and a passionate collector. His influence reaches into governance, community building, and beyond.

This new group represents the next step in Tezos’ community-driven growth—where grassroots action meets global reach.

And the story’s just getting started. More Trailblazers are on the way.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Tezos Breakfast Club Pops Up in Belgrade

During Belgrade Blockchain Week, one of Tezos’ newest Trailblazers, Ivana Ehrensvärd, brought the community together for a warm and lively edition of the Tezos Breakfast Club. Held at Crveni Petao on May 29, the morning meetup offered coffee, pastries, and conversation for builders, artists, and the Tezos-curious.

As always, the vibe was casual but purposeful—connecting local creatives and technologists with the broader Tezos ecosystem in a welcoming, IRL setting. It’s another great example of how the Trailblazers program continues to empower grassroots community action around the world.

Upcoming Tezos Summer Events

Tezos Logo Remix: Open Call for TezDev 2025

Want your art to be part of the biggest Tezos event of the year? Here's your chance.

Unknown Collector has launched an open call for creators to remix the Tezos logo, with selected entries featured in a 360° immersive display at TezDev 2025 in Cannes.

You're invited to push boundaries—make it bold, make it loop, and most of all, make it yours.

Submission Guidelines:

• MP4 moving image, under 30 seconds (looping preferred)

• 2000x2000px, transparent background

• You can remix an existing piece or create something new using the template

• 10 artworks will be selected and showcased at TezDev

Deadline: June 1, 11:59 PM CET
Winners announced: June 3
Submit here: forms.gle/um4KWYiWU8cKnE7ZA

Judges include: Linda, Ion and UnknownCollector 

Time to remix the brand and bring your version of Tezos to life. See you in the loop.

Art on Tezos Returns to NFC Lisbon

Tezos is making a bold return to NFC Lisbon with a dynamic celebration of digital creativity. Anchored at the Tezos x XCOLLABZ container, this year’s activation brings together murals, immersive projections, VR experiences, and a thriving community of generative and digital artists.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Echoes of Light Exhibit: Two towering murals by Scott Martin (OMGiDRAWEDit) and Stuart Campbell (Sutu), a 30-artist projection showcase, and a custom VR experience.

• Mainstage Reveal: A new collaborative generative project will be unveiled live on the NFC mainstage—stay tuned.

• Art on Tezos Hangout:
  📅 June 4, 2025
  🕓 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM GMT+1
  📍 Carlos Lopes Pavilion, Lisbon

Request to join the Art on Tezos Hangout here.

Ahead of NFC Lisbon, the NFC team collaborated with 30 artists to create the official NFC Poster, available to mint on Tezos via Infinite Ink. The commemorative collage was curated by Grida and features signature works by participating artists including Deekay, Claire Silver, Bryan Brinkman, OSF, ThankyouX, YUYU, Trevor Jones, Mad Dog, Zancan, Ben Skaar, and more.
Mint 150 NFTs to get the physical poster signed by the artists + FREE access to the NFC

VIP lounge. The open edition is available for 4.2 XTZ. Mint yours here.

The Digital Art Mile in Basel

June 16–22, 2025 | Basel, Switzerland

This summer, Tezos heads to the heart of Basel for The Digital Art Mile, a week-long exploration of digital creativity woven through the city’s historic center.

Expect a vibrant circuit of exhibitions, talks, and immersive experiences that bring together top artists, collectors, galleries, and platforms—bridging the worlds of traditional and digital art. With Tezos as a recognized home for generative and digital artists, this is a key moment to connect with the community, pushing boundaries in the space.

More info: artmeta.org

TezCon 2025 – A Celebration of Tezos Culture in Seattle

The second annual TezCon returns to Seattle on June 28, transforming Kenyon Hall into a hub of Tezos-powered creativity, connection, and collaboration. Born from the TezTones art collective, this grassroots gathering brings together artists, collectors, builders, and community members for a weekend that blends panels, live music, and curated art showcases.

This year’s TezCon expands beyond a single-day event with a full lineup across four days—from West Seattle tours and community BBQs to interactive art installations and live performances. The main event on Saturday will feature panel discussions, music by Ryan Tanaka, Hashbrown, B Dwil, and more, plus projections curated by TEIA.

Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in online via livestream, TezCon is your chance to experience the soul of the Tezos ecosystem in real life.

🗓️ June 28, 2025
📍 Kenyon Hall, Seattle, WA
🎟️ RSVP on Eventbrite 
📹 Livestreams and digital access will be available

See you in Seattle!

TezDev 2025: Catalyst

The countdown is on: TezDev 2025 lands in Cannes on July 3, bringing the Tezos community together for a day packed with demos, discussions, and creative expression. The new landing page is now live at tezos.com/events/tez-dev, giving attendees their first glimpse at what to expect from this year’s gathering.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Hôtel Martinez, right on the Boulevard de la Croisette, this year’s event is more than a conference, it’s a catalyst.

From breakout talks to ecosystem showcases, TezDev: Catalyst will explore how Tezos teams are lowering barriers for developers, pushing the limits of user experience, and building for what comes next. Attendees can expect:

• Developer sessions highlighting the latest tools and frameworks.

• First-look demos of upcoming projects across DeFi, gaming, art, and beyond.

• A curated dive into Tezos art — a nod to Tezos’ significant role in the art world.

Last year’s TezDev brought together over 700 attendees in Brussels, with names like Arthur Breitman, Justin Drake, and Tarun Chitra sharing their perspectives on where this space is headed. Expect 2025 to go even bigger.

Secure your spot now and be part of the momentum:
Register here.

🔴 Now Streaming: Tezos in South America: Kika Nicolela

This week on TezTalks Radio, Marissa Trew sits down with Brazilian artist and curator Kika Nicolela to explore her creative evolution from traditional filmmaking to digital art, and how Tezos reshaped her practice. From collecting NFTs to curating on Objkt, Kika shares her vision for the future of curation, community, and artistic expression in Web3.

Our special guest is Kika Nicolela, where video art meets community-powered curation on Tezos.

🔍 In this episode, we’ll explore:

A Collector’s Start: – Why collecting came before minting, and what it taught her about digital art.

Curating on Objkt: – The unique balance between being an artist and a curator in the Tezos ecosystem.

Community as Canvas: – How collaboration and connection shape the value of digital work.

Challenges of Digital Display: – Rethinking how video and digital art are exhibited in the Web3 era.

What’s Next: – Upcoming projects, evolving priorities, and why Tezos remains her creative home.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.