Context Protocol
The first physical instantiation of a context guild—a persistent, queryable collective memory where visitors become contributors. Visual artworks double as "cognitive citizenship" passports to a new kind of creative network. Part of a Venice → NODE → MoMA arc establishing protocol art as institutional practice.
2026-2027 Arc
Core Concepts
Persistent, queryable collective memory. Not a chatbot—a different way of navigating someone's associations and mind. Inspired by Chris Marker's "Immemory" CD-ROM: context that can be explored in many modalities.
During events, everyone present contributes thoughts to the protocol. If you're having thoughts while someone is presenting, you're invited to contribute them. All context captured and stored persistently.
NFTs that serve as passports to shared context. Visual artwork that's collectible AND permission to enter the context guild. Two functions: beautiful scarce art + access key.
Inspired by the medieval trade federation that invented modern capitalism. Own architecture, own art style, own rituals. The guild space should feel like "an embassy for a different splinter society."
Economic Model
- Visual artworks as collectible NFTs
- NFT = passport to context guild access
- Status from contribution, not speculation
- Builds on Holly+ revenue-sharing model
- Tribute Labs (Aaron/Priyanka) — commission
- Flamingo DAO — collector base
- XX DAO — collector base
- Spirit Protocol — infrastructure alignment
The Artists
Composer and sound artist. PhD from Stanford CCRMA. Created "PROTO" (2019) with AI ensemble trained on vocal recordings. Pioneer of Holly+: voice model where anyone can "be" Holly, with revenue sharing back to the source.
"When you are a public figure, there is you—and there is you as a meme in the mind of others. Those are not the same thing."
Artist, researcher, strategist. Co-host of Interdependence podcast. Teaches at NYU Clive Davis Institute. Co-created Spawning's "Have I Been Trained?" tool. Building frameworks for artist compensation in the age of AI.
"The salvation of the art world comes from the realization we all need to be trading machines."
Building On
Voice model anyone can use. Revenue sharing to source. Framework for AI consent/attribution.
Current exhibition. Read/write environment where groups contribute to training model. Same logic extends to context.
2018. Massive screens + things "breaking" the screens. Reference for NODE LED approach.
Stanford Connection
Holly has PhD from Stanford CCRMA. Invitations to present at both Art Department and CS Department (Fei-Fei Li's program). NODE show timing (Fall 2026) aligns with Stanford back in session—perfect audience for "cognitive citizenship" and protocol art concepts.
Why NODE: "This is already more advanced than any institution we've worked with." The LED architecture offers opportunity to both use screens AND "break" them—creating a built environment that feels like an embassy for a new kind of creative society.