Mastercard, during NFT NYC, has announced the launch of its Web3 Artist Accelerator program, a platform to provide tools and mentorship to emerging Web3 artists that the global payment processing company first hinted at in March.

As part of the launch, Mastercard is releasing a free-to-claim NFT supported by Polygon. To claim visitors are prompted to name, email, and date of birth, from there they are asked to select a wallet and can collect the pass — which will be available until the end of April.

The Mastercard #ArtistAccelerator uses #Web3 music tools like never before. Join and mint your free Mastercard Music Pass #NFT to access exclusive music content and experiences.

Elevating the next generation of music: #priceless.

— Mastercard (@Mastercard) April 12, 2023

The pass grants holders access to the new music program which is said to include a variety of perks including exclusive content, artificial intelligence (AI) music tools, and a “variety of Web3 opportunities.”

As part of the program, Mastercard has selected five up-and-coming artists from across genres and geographies to chronicle their journey, creating an opportunity for pass holders to observe and learn from.

The artists will be guided by five expert mentors including names like Ledger’s Chief Experience Officer Ian Rodgers and Web3 artist Latashá, who will help them jumpstart their content creation, provide tips and tricks in using blockchain to monetize their work and advise on how to build a community of fans in the Web3 environment.

Additionally, these artists and all holders of the pass will have access to an AI music studio powered by Warpsound.

Today we kick off a partnership with @mastercard to empower emerging artists! Proud to provide the AI music in their #ArtistAccelerator program.

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— WarpSound ☆ WVRPS (@warpsound_ai) April 12, 2023

“As a company, we hope to help people and partners around the world better understand and trust how blockchain and digital assets are used – and how our technology can support the ecosystem,” shared Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and President, Healthcare Business, Mastercard in a press release.

He added that “we also believe that Web3 can be a powerful tool in connecting people and building communities around shared universal passions.”

With education and accessibility at the forefront, Mastercard’s new program stands to be a valuable resource for any existing or emerging musicians in the Web3 space. While the five selected artists will be receiving direct mentorship, holders will also be able to follow along, benefiting the community as a whole.

Based on its site, Mastercard will roll out the program in various stages with minting live now, the AI studio launch, and artist & mentor sessions in May, tied off with a Live Showcase in June.

Elsewhere, meet WINK: a Web3 women’s collective helping to create a new narrative of gender power dynamics.