OCTARR is a creative studio which brings together art, heritage, and blockchain technology. We research exceptional collectables and then collaborate with select artists and artisans to create new works inspired by them. We offer opportunities to own all or part of these old and new works through blockchain-based tokenisation.

OCTARR stands for Owners’ Collectable Tokens and Resale Rights. We initially started OCTARR to harness the power of the blockchain to assist emerging artists, who do not currently benefit from profitable secondary sales of their works. The worlds of writing and music have long had simple and enforceable royalty systems, which ensure shared economic benefit. Despite many attempts, visual artists have patchy artist resale rights regulations which are not well enforced, and major markets like the US and China have no rights at all. With the smart contracts embedded in our projects, artists can now automatically share the economic benefits if their works appreciate in value.

You purchase tokens with currency and own all or part of a collectable, and artists earn income through sales of their work. However, OCTARR is fundamentally about creative projects and heritage preservation.

We take an exclusive, curated approach. We conduct deep research into rare, often unique collectables with great stories. We then collaborate with carefully selected artists and artisans whose work resonates with the collectable's story. Every project is designed to honour heritage while creating something new and meaningful.

OCTARR is for collectors, art enthusiasts, institutions, and individuals who appreciate exceptional art and artisanal creations. We want to attract those interested in the intersection of traditional collecting and modern technology, people who appreciate both the story behind an object and innovative ways to engage with it, and ensure its successful future.

While blockchain excels at creating permanent digital records and enabling fractional ownership, there's something irreplaceable about encountering the physical object in its full dimension. With the cello, it's not just about seeing the grain of centuries-old wood or understanding the maker's craftsmanship - it's about hearing it come alive in the hands of talented musicians. This instrument isn't locked in a vault; it's played in concerts, experienced as it was meant to be. OCTARR actively partners with institutions, galleries, and performance venues to ensure our collectables are seen, heard, and experienced. We believe in both: blockchain for transparency and accessibility, and real-world encounters where you can experience the magic of these collectables as living pieces of culture.

Conservation is the specialised practice of preserving artworks and collectables for future generations. It requires expertise in materials, history, and proper care techniques. When you own a share of an OCTARR collectable, you're participating in its conservation - ensuring it's professionally maintained, exhibited responsibly, and preserved in excellent condition. This is one of the rewards of collecting with OCTARR.

Traditional collecting is often a long-term practice rooted in genuine passion for the objects themselves - their craftsmanship, their history, the artists who created them. Collectors tend to study what they acquire, build relationships with artists and institutions, and see themselves as custodians rather than just owners. Many collectors hold pieces for years or even generations, motivated by the collectable's significance rather than resale value. At OCTARR, we're creating space for both approaches - whether you're new to collecting or experienced, whether you're here for the story or the potential appreciation, you're welcome.

Being a collector can simply be the practice of owning and keeping something with perceived value. For us, it means this, but also the importance of directly supporting living artists and artisans, through the commissioning of new work, thus helping ensure they can continue creating. When you purchase tokens, you're not just acquiring an asset, you're supporting artists and artisans, whilst participating in projects which honour heritage and craftsmanship.

Provenance is the documented history of a collectable's ownership and journey through time. In traditional collecting, provenance aids in establishing authenticity and can reveal the significance of a piece - who owned it, where it's been exhibited, how it's been cared for. It's the story behind the object that often makes it extraordinary. While blockchain creates transparent ownership records going forward, provenance encompasses decades or centuries of history and cultural context, that give a collectable its depth and meaning.

Often confused with provenance, the two go hand in hand. Provenance research establishes the chain of ownership, the blockchain ensures immutable and transparent future provenance, whilst authentication determines whether a collectable is original, a copy or indeed a forgery. OCTARR works with world leading experts and openly shares any questions about a given collectable’s authenticity. We will never work with forgeries.

We work with respected experts, appraisers, and institutions to verify the authenticity and provenance of every collectable before tokenisation. All documentation is recorded on the blockchain, creating a permanent, transparent record. This authentication process is one of our core strengths and fundamental to maintaining trust in the OCTARR model. We use our own proprietary system of physical identification to prevent forgery.

Curation is the thoughtful process of selecting and presenting collectables based on quality, rarity, significance, and narrative. A good curator researches deeply and makes informed choices to create meaning through careful selection. At OCTARR, we take a curatorial approach - we don't tokenise everything we encounter. Instead, we choose exceptional pieces with compelling stories and bring together artists and artisans whose work genuinely resonates with those narratives. Think of it as quality over quantity, story over scale.

Think of blockchain as a new layer built on top of the internet - like how the web itself was a layer added to the internet in the 1990s. This new layer allows us to permanently and transparently record information that cannot be altered or erased. For collectables, this means creating an unbreakable record of provenance, ownership history, and authenticity that travels with the object forever.

Traditional collectables face several challenges: provenance can be disputed or lost, ownership transfers are cumbersome and expensive, authenticity verification requires trusted intermediaries, and fractional ownership is extremely difficult to manage. Blockchain technology solves these problems by providing a permanent, tamper-proof record that anyone can verify, streamlining ownership transfers, reducing transaction costs, and enabling secure fractional ownership that was previously impractical. Unchangeable “smart contracts” define the rules for any fractionally owned or new work, avoiding any future disputes about the original intent of the creator or owner.

No. This is one of the most common misconceptions. Cryptocurrency requires Blockchain technology, not vice versa. Cryptocurrency is just one application built using blockchain - like how email is one application built using the internet. At OCTARR, we use blockchain for what it excels at: creating permanent, transparent records of authenticity, provenance, storytelling and transactions. We're not dealing in often speculative crypto tokens; we're inscribing real physical and digital collectables onto the blockchain for generations to come.

A smart contract is a self-executing program stored on the blockchain that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement. OCTARR’s smart contracts can do many things. An artist may receive a share of the benefits of future profitable sales, the cello’s future is determined by a trusted third party, handmade paper from our O.A.K. tree project provides a return to the tree token holders.

'On-chain' refers to data or transactions that are permanently recorded on the blockchain itself. When something is on-chain, it's part of the permanent, public record that cannot be altered or deleted. At OCTARR, the provenance and ownership of our collectables are recorded on-chain, ensuring transparency and permanence.

A digital wallet is software that allows you to store, send, and receive blockchain-based tokens. Think of it as a secure digital safe that only you can access with your private key (a secret password). Your wallet doesn't hold the collectable itself - it holds your tokens, which represent your ownership stake in the collectable.

Tokenisation is the process of representing ownership of a real-world asset (like a collectable) as a digital token on a blockchain. Think of it as creating a digital certificate of ownership that is secure, verifiable, and transferable. When you own a token, you own all or part of the underlying collectable. The token itself is recorded on the blockchain, making your ownership transparent and permanent.

Fractional ownership means multiple ownership of a single valuable item. Instead of one person owning 100% of a collectable, the ownership can be split into multiple tokens, allowing many people to own portions of it. This makes high-value collectables accessible to more people and creates a community of co-owners who share in the collectable's story, future and potential appreciation.

The physical collectable is professionally stored and insured while ownership is tokenised. First, we sell tokens representing fractions of the original collectable. If one collector purchases all tokens, they take physical possession of the piece. If multiple owners hold fractions, OCTARR works with our network of curators, institutions, and conservation experts to determine the best home for the piece. Our fundamental philosophy is to present these exceptional collectables in real life, not lock them away in vaults. We actively collaborate with institutions, galleries, and foundations to ensure these pieces are exhibited and experienced by everyone. Decisions about exhibitions and loans are made in consultation with our network of specialists.

Each project begins with our team identifying a historically significant collectable. We conduct thorough research into its provenance and cultural context. We then publish our research, and commission artists and/or artisans to create new work inspired by this piece, resulting in a collection that honours the original while offering something fresh. These new works are tokenised, and sometimes fractional ownership is offered to collectors. Throughout the process, we document everything on the blockchain, creating a permanent record of the project's evolution.

Artists and artisans receive direct compensation for their commissioned work, and also receive ongoing resale rights when their works and tokens are profitably resold on secondary markets. This creates a sustainable income stream for artists and artisans beyond the initial sale. More importantly, our model connects artists and artisans with collectors who appreciate the cultural and historical context of their work, fostering meaningful relationships beyond the initial transaction.

Digital wallets are secured by a private key (or seed phrase) - a series of words that acts as your password. If you lose this key and haven't backed it up, access to your tokens may be permanently lost. This is why we guide you through proper wallet setup, including secure backup procedures. During onboarding, we'll show you how to safely store your seed phrase - typically writing it down and keeping it in a secure physical location. Think of it like the key to a safe deposit box: keep it secure, never share it, and ensure you have a backup. We're here to help you set this up properly from the start.

Your tokens exist on the blockchain independently of OCTARR - they represent your ownership stake in the collectable regardless of our operational status. The blockchain record is permanent and cannot be erased. However, the physical collectable would need ongoing custodianship and management. As part of each project's legal structure, we establish contingency plans including designated successor custodians or institutional partners who could assume responsibility for the collectable's care and exhibition. These safeguards are outlined in each project's terms before launch.

Absolutely. One of OCTARR's core principles is making our collectables accessible, not locking them away. When your collectable is on public exhibition at partner institutions, galleries, or performance venues, you can visit and experience it. We also organise special events for token holders - private viewings, behind-the-scenes access, or exclusive performances. You're not just an owner; you're part of the collectable's ongoing story, and we want you to engage with it meaningfully.

Ownership of a token provides ownership of all or part of the physical collectable, but intellectual property rights (such as copyright in the artwork) are specified in each project's terms. These rights may remain with the artist, be shared among token holders, or be structured in other ways depending on the project. We ensure clarity around IP rights before any project launches.

Yes. To comply with regulations and ensure the integrity of our community, we require identity verification for all token purchases. This typically involves providing government-issued identification and proof of address. We treat all personal information with strict confidentiality and use secure, encrypted systems. This verification process helps protect both you and the OCTARR community, ensuring transparency and accountability in ownership.

Yes. Tokens can be easily transferred or sold. The blockchain makes this process simple and secure. The seller is responsible for any taxable capital gain in their own fiscal jurisdiction.

When you purchase a token, you become a part or sole owner of the underlying collectable. This means you have sole or proportional ownership interest in the physical object and any rights associated with it, as outlined in the smart contract project terms. Your ownership is recorded on the blockchain, the transaction can be verified by anyone at any time, ownership may be anonymous.

We welcome collectors globally, though certain regulatory restrictions may apply depending on your country of fiscal residence. Some jurisdictions have specific regulations around tokenised assets that may limit participation. During the purchase process, we'll verify whether your location allows participation in the specific project. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible while maintaining full legal compliance.

Tokens can be transferred directly between wallets or listed on secondary marketplaces that support the blockchain we use. We'll provide guidance on reputable platforms where OCTARR tokens can be traded. We also facilitate direct connections between buyers and sellers within the OCTARR network. If you own 100% of a work, be it new or old, you may bypass blockchain and sell through traditional channels which we will also facilitate.

Token holders receive regular updates about their collectables through email newsletters and our online platform. We'll share information about exhibitions, conservation updates, new research findings, artist collaborations, and events. You'll know where your collectable is being displayed, which musicians are playing it (in the case of instruments), and how the broader project is evolving.

There are no minimum or maximum purchase limits, unless specified. If you acquire all tokens in a collectable, you gain full ownership and can take physical possession.

Not at all. While we use sophisticated technology behind the scenes, we've designed the experience to be accessible to anyone. If you can browse a website and make an online purchase, you can participate in OCTARR projects. We provide clear instructions and support for setting up your wallet and purchasing tokens.

Costs include the purchase price of tokens, transaction fees for blockchain operations (often called 'gas fees'), and potentially storage or insurance fees depending on the project structure. All fees are clearly disclosed before purchase. We strive for transparency in all financial aspects of our projects. We are confident that our model will result in substantially lower overall transaction costs than traditional sales channels.

Begin by exploring our current projects and the collectables and artists we're working with. When a project speaks to you, speak to us or simply purchase your tokens through our website - no blockchain knowledge required. After your purchase, we'll reach out personally to help you set up your digital wallet so you can take custody of your token. Think of the wallet setup as the final step in claiming your ownership. Our team is here to guide you through every detail, whether this is your first encounter with blockchain technology or you're already familiar with the space.

OCTARR is a creative studio, not an investment vehicle. We make no guarantees about financial returns. The value of collectables can fluctuate, and tokenised ownership is still an evolving practice. You should approach OCTARR the same way you would approach acquiring any collectable - because you're passionate about the object, the creator(s), and the story behind it. We use secure blockchain technology and work with reputable partners for physical storage and insurance, but as with any collectable, you should only participate with funds you're comfortable allocating to your collection.

Visit our website regularly, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new projects, artist collaborations, and developments in the world of blockchain-based collecting. We're building something meaningful, and we'd love to have you join us on this journey.