Minting New Collection Challenges

Abstract

With high-carbon emissions and questionable associations with speculative investments, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have been framed as controversial objects within the museum context. At a time where collecting institutions are taking responsibility for climate action, this chapter maps the thorny questions faced by the Design and Digital curatorial division at the Victoria and Albert Museum in considering the acquisition of objects able to speak about NFTs. This chapter investigates the tension developed around the desire to represent a major game changer in contemporary digital culture and digital artistic practice, and the desire to operate as an environmentally conscious institution. Based on the analysis of meeting minutes and a focus group, the chapter delineates potential ethical alternatives, such as collecting objects that refer to NFTs without using any blockchain technology. It also explores the challenges that the museum could face if, without successful critical framing, it is perceived to offer an ‘institutional seal of approval’, potentially further legitimising and promoting NFTs. As studies on the environmental sustainability of museum collections are in their infancy, this chapter aims at broadening the debate and calls for new approaches to guide decision-making where conflicting demands are at stake.