what's Aku Dreams?

Aku Dreams is an NFT project created by artist and former MLB player Micah Johnson, centered around Aku, a digital astronaut character designed to inspire dreamers and explorers. Launched as a series of profile picture (PFP) NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, it features evolving chapters that build an interconnected universe, starting with initial drops in 2021 and expanding through collaborations and airdrops. The project emphasizes interoperability, community-driven storytelling, and cultural representation, particularly celebrating Black excellence and diversity in digital art. The Akutars collection, a key component, consists of 15,000 unique NFTs that serve as entry points to the Aku World ecosystem, including virtual worlds and brand partnerships. Holders gain access to exclusive events, co-creation opportunities, and physical manifestations like art installations. Despite a significant smart contract exploit in 2022 resulting in losses, the project has continued development, focusing on scalable assets and narrative expansion through platforms like Nifty Gateway. Technically, Aku Dreams leverages ERC-721 standards for NFTs, with minting mechanisms involving batches for different holder tiers (e.g., OGs, Megas) and airdrops to build loyalty. It integrates with Web3 tools for trading on marketplaces like OpenSea, aiming to empower the next generation through art, crypto, and immersive experiences.

Aku Dreams was welcomed to MoonPay's NYC Moon Base.