..To engage more women in blockchain, we need to create spaces where collaboration and innovation thrive, particularly in areas like art, entertainment, and fashion. These industries that naturally align with blockchain’s potential for creativity and transformation. By showcasing how blockchain can redefine these fields, we can attract more women who bring unique perspectives and skills. Highlighting success stories of women already making an impact can also inspire others to join, demonstrating that their contributions are not just welcome but essential. Additionally, we must focus on education and accessibility. Offering resources, mentorship programs, and entry points tailored to women’s diverse backgrounds will demystify blockchain and help them see its relevance to their passions and careers…and foster a stronger, more diverse community that reflects blockchain’s promise as a transformative force…
I had the pleasure of interviewing Stacy Engman. Stacy Engman is a pioneering art world figure, blending high fashion, creative masterpieces, and technology to transform the contemporary scene. As a tech innovator, artist, and author, Engman’s work bridges classical and modern art, making creativity accessible and dynamic across new audiences and platforms. Her book, Art Royalty: The Making of an Empire, chronicles the rise of The Art Index, the first and largest blockchain archive of masterworks redefining access to art.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you share with us the story of how you decided to pursue this career path? What lessons can others learn from your story?
Thank you for having me! My journey into blockchain began with a deep fascination for how technology could revolutionize the way we access masterworks of art — especially as many pieces are inaccessible to the public, as they are either shown in a specific museum or also owned by private collectors and locked away from public view.
My work leveraging blockchain technology with The Art Index democratizes access to some of the world’s greatest treasurers, allowing us to better experience and preserve art. One key lesson from my story is the importance of staying curious and open to innovation — even in art painted hundred of years ago. By embracing new tools and perspectives, we can expand access and foster inclusivity in ways that were previously unimaginable. My advice to others is to trust your vision, stay adaptable, and never be afraid to reimagine how your passion can intersect with emerging technologies.
Can you tell me about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
I’m incredibly excited about the groundbreaking work we’re doing with The Art Index (+AI). It’s fundamentally changing how we interact with and collect art by leveraging blockchain technology to create secure, transparent, and globally accessible digital assets. For centuries, masterpieces by iconic artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo have been confined to museums or private collections, accessible to only a privileged few. The Art Index is breaking down those barriers, digitizing these treasures, and using blockchain to ensure their provenance, authenticity, and ownership are verifiable and immutable. This technology allows collectors to engage with art in a way that’s not only innovative but also equitable and future-proof.
What excites me most is the long-term potential. Blockchain is enabling us to reimagine art as a decentralized, universally accessible cultural asset. Every day, The Art Index is shaping a future where art isn’t just preserved…it’s democratized and redefined for a digital era.
I’m also thrilled to share my new book, Art Royalty, edited by Pat Hackett, known for The Andy Warhol Diaries, is now available on Amazon and other literary marketplaces in both hardcover and paperback. The book dives deep into how blockchain and other emerging technologies are transforming the art world, from tokenizing iconic works to exploring entirely new formats for artistic expression. It examines the intersection of art and technology, showcasing how blockchain’s permanence and transparency are creating new possibilities for artists, collectors, and even cultural institutions.
Both projects are part of my broader mission to connect art’s storied past with its tech-driven future, ensuring it remains a dynamic, transformative force for generations to come. Blockchain is at the heart of that cultural transformation, and I’m honored to be part of this exciting evolution.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My time at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and the amazing artists, cultural commentators, and collectors I met there, and after, have provided me with an incredibly unique perspective on how we tell a story. They taught me that art and beauty are omnipresent — from traditional canvas to fashion and even technology, digital media, and even the blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse. The people I worked with at Sotheby’s gave me the vision to connect art and fashion in a prescient way.
What are the 3 things that most excite you about blockchain and crypto? Why?
I am most excited by blockchain’s ability to democratize access in a way that physical mediums cannot. With blockchain, we make things digital assets that would otherwise be inaccessible, limiting our ability to interact with and be inspired by things like art. The Art Index was designed to create access where it simply did not exist before — creating digital assets from inaccessible masterpieces that anyone can engage with, own, and display; it is only possible because of the blockchain. This democratization allows more people to interact with and be inspired by art, regardless of their physical location or background.
The potential of blockchain technology to create new investment opportunities grounded in real-world assets is another major point of excitement. With The Art Index, for example, we’re not just digitizing art; we’re creating a new store of value tied to timeless cultural treasures. This model ensures a baseline of intrinsic value, fostering confidence in these digital assets as sustainable investments that can only increase.
Finally, blockchain’s global connectivity thoroughly excites me. It bridges geographical divides and fosters connections over shared interests, such as art, culture, and technology. Through platforms like The Art Index, individuals from around the world can discover commonalities, exchange ideas, and build relationships, making art a unifying force in a decentralized, digitally connected world.
What are the 3 things that worry you about blockchain and crypto? Why?
One of my biggest concerns is that too many people who could benefit from blockchain and digital assets are being left behind. This technology has the potential to democratize access to wealth, art, and opportunity in unprecedented ways, but if we fail to make it accessible and understandable to broader audiences, we risk perpetuating the same exclusivity and inequality that blockchain was designed to disrupt. It’s essential to prioritize education and outreach to ensure that this transformative moment includes everyone, not just those who are already familiar with it.
Another concern is whether we are fully maximizing the potential of this technology. With blockchain and crypto, the possibilities are nearly infinite, from reimagining ownership to enabling new forms of artistic expression and global collaboration. Yet, in the rush to capitalize on what’s already working, we might be overlooking ideas and innovations that could drive even greater breakthroughs. For example, with The Art Index, we’re pushing boundaries by digitizing and tokenizing historic art, but I constantly ask myself: What else can we do? Are there other creative or practical applications that we haven’t yet imagined?
Finally, I worry about the missed opportunities to create a more open, prosperous future for everyone. Blockchain isn’t just about technology — it’s a tool to build systems that are more inclusive, transparent, and equitable. If we don’t approach this innovation with those values in mind, we could squander its potential and fail to deliver the kind of transformative change that could benefit society as a whole.
It’s up to all of us working in this space to ensure that the future we’re building is one that truly serves everyone and delivers value.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?
I’ve worked to democratize art and make access to the Old Masters more transparent, visible, and accessible through the blockchain. The Art Index is a gateway to connect people across the world regardless of their identity, location, or financial status.
Art has always been a universal language, and I’ve strived to use it as a gateway for connection. Through The Art Index, I’ve seen how art can transcend borders, bringing together people from different identities, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds. For instance, one of my favorite moments was witnessing a digital exhibition where collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe engaged with a digitized Rembrandt piece. People shared personal stories, interpretations, and their emotions … all which were tied to the artwork, creating a dialogue that reminded me of art’s incredible ability to unite us despite our differences.
By democratizing art, I hope to inspire others to see its power not just as a cultural artifact, but as a tool for connection, empathy, and understanding. For me, success isn’t just about breaking ground with blockchain in the art world; it’s about ensuring that art’s transformative power is felt and shared by as many people as possible by harnessing this powerful tech tool.
As you know there are not that many women in your industry. Can you share 5 things that you would advise to other women in the blockchain space to thrive?
I think the message is simple. Women in blockchain — and technology in general — must collaborate, communicate, co-form, co-create, and define the future — we can’t simply let it define us.
We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of this transformative industry. Collaboration is key; we must build networks with other women amplifies our voices and creates collective strength. By working together, we can ensure our perspectives are heard and valued.
It’s equally important to communicate a clear vision. Blockchain is still evolving, and women should confidently share innovative ideas, shaping the technology and its applications. This isn’t just about participation; it’s about leadership.
Women must also take an active role in shaping the industry itself — whether through product development, policymaking, or thought leadership. By helping define the standards and systems of blockchain, we can ensure it evolves in ways that are inclusive and equitable.
Perhaps as — if not most — importantly, we need to stick together and support one another. Mentorship and solidarity within the industry are crucial to creating a thriving, diverse community. When women uplift each other, we open doors for the next generation of leaders. Blockchain represents a chance to redefine commerce and culture for the next decade and beyond. By collaborating, communicating, and shaping the narrative, women can ensure they’re not just part of this revolution but leading it.
Can you advise what is needed to engage more women into the blockchain industry?
To engage more women in blockchain, we need to create spaces where collaboration and innovation thrive, particularly in areas like art, entertainment, and fashion. These industries that naturally align with blockchain’s potential for creativity and transformation.
By showcasing how blockchain can redefine these fields, we can attract more women who bring unique perspectives and skills. Highlighting success stories of women already making an impact can also inspire others to join, demonstrating that their contributions are not just welcome but essential.
Additionally, we must focus on education and accessibility. Offering resources, mentorship programs, and entry points tailored to women’s diverse backgrounds will demystify blockchain and help them see its relevance to their passions and careers…and foster a stronger, more diverse community that reflects blockchain’s promise as a transformative force.
What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
One of my favorite quotes is from Edgar Degas … who said “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” This perfectly captures the mission of The Art Index and the transformative role blockchain plays in the art world. It inspires me to continually push the limits of how technology can amplify the impact of art.
Blockchain doesn’t just preserve masterworks; it redefines how they’re seen, shared, and valued globally. By creating a transparent, immutable archive, it allows audiences to experience art beyond traditional boundaries, fostering new connections and ensuring authenticity in ways that elevate trust and accessibility.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’m approaching this answer as someone already in the forefront of the democratizing access to masterworks of art through technology with The Art Index.
But a utilitarian approach would be expanding this work by leveraging blockchain to create a global network of virtual art galleries. This would further improve access to art by digitally showcasing authenticated masterworks and allowing anyone, anywhere, to experience and learn from them. This would include of two parts: the first is incorporating educational tools and interactive features; the second part is better fostering a cultural exchange by inspiring creativity and connecting new audiences with humanity’s greatest artistic achievements.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
My Instagram page and The Art Index website are the two best ways to keep up to date with my work and exciting developments in the space.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Wisdom From The Women Leading The Blockchain Revolution, With Author Stacy Engman was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.