Imagine a platform online where anyone, regardless of their location, could create and sell NFTs for almost nothing. No gatekeepers, no high costs, just pure creativity.
That place was real. It was called Hic et Nunc, Latin for ‘Here and Now’. It ran on the green-friendly Tezos blockchain, marking a significant shift in the NFT world.
But then, out of nowhere, it disappeared.
So… what really happened? And why do artists still bring it up? Let’s find out.
The Birth and Vision of Hicetnunc
Hicetnunc was launched in 2021 by Brazilian developer Rafael Lima. His goal was to create a truly open and democratic space for digital artists.
The platform focused on helping underrepresented communities, including artists from the Global South and queer creators, find a place in the NFT world.
Running on the energy-efficient Tezos blockchain, it offered extremely low fees, making it easy for anyone to mint and share art.
Its radically inclusive design meant anyone could participate purely based on creativity, no institutional filters required.
The Unique Features of the Hicetnunc Platform
Hicetnunc stood out in the NFT space by offering features that prioritized accessibility, sustainability, and community involvement.
- Permissionless Minting: Users had full autonomy to create, collect, or sell art, redefining who gets to be seen in the digital space.
- Eco-friendly Blockchain: Built on Tezos, which uses Proof-of-Stake (PoS) to reduce energy consumption.
- Decentralized Storage: Artworks were stored on IPFS, ensuring better security and long-term access.
- Community-powered Initiatives: Events like OBJKT4OBJKT and creative hashtag campaigns brought artists together and encouraged collective sharing and discovery.
Community Culture and Artistic Diversity
Hicetnunc quickly evolved into a vibrant grassroots network uniting creators across continents. Its open, experimental spirit welcomed bold ideas and diverse voices.
Online channels made it easy for artists to connect, collaborate, and support one another in real time.
Many unique projects and creators, including emerging talents from underrepresented regions, found their first audience and success through Hicetnunc.
Overcoming Challenges and Platform Evolution
Despite major setbacks, the Hicetnunc community showed incredible resilience and unity.
- 2021 Hack and Technical Issues: The platform faced a security breach, but its decentralized design protected user content.
- Sudden Shutdown: Founder Rafael Lima abruptly closed the site in November 2021 without warning.
- Community Response: Artists quickly regrouped, preserving data and continuing activity on community-driven successor platforms.
- Legacy Lives On: These platforms carry forward Hicetnunc’s core values of openness, inclusion, and creative freedom.
Getting Started with Hicetnunc and its Successors
If you’re an interested collector or an artist eager to begin, this simple walkthrough shows how to jump into and use today’s Hicetnunc-inspired platforms with ease.
1. Set Up a Tezos Wallet
Choose a wallet like Temple, Kukai, or AirGap to store and manage your Tezos (XTZ). These wallets also connect directly with NFT platforms, making transactions easier.
Always back up and securely store your recovery phrase, as it’s the only way to regain access if you lose your wallet.
2. Buy Tezos (XTZ)
Purchase Tezos through exchanges such as Binance, Kraken, or Coinbase. Once bought, transfer your XTZ into your Tezos wallet for safekeeping.
Having XTZ is essential since it’s the currency you’ll use for minting NFTs and covering transaction fees on Tezos-based platforms.
3. Pick an NFT Platform
Check out Tezos NFT marketplaces like Teia.art, hicetnunc.art, or objkt.com. These platforms are community-driven successors to the original Hicetnunc and support a variety of creative digital assets.
Selecting the right platform will give your artwork visibility and help you connect with collectors.
4. Mint Your NFT
Upload your artwork to the platform, fill in metadata like title, description, and edition count, then mint your NFT.
Accepted files include images, videos, and more. Minting incurs a small fee in XTZ, officially recording your work on the blockchain as a unique digital asset.
5. Connect with the Community
Engage with fellow creators and collectors on NFT forums, Discord groups, and social media. Follow other artists, ask questions, and share your minted work for feedback.
Building relationships within the Tezos NFT community can boost visibility, collaborations, and the value of your creations.
Engaging with the Hicetnunc & NFT Art Community
Getting involved in the Hicetnunc-inspired NFT community is easier than ever.
Artists and collectors regularly share work, give feedback, and collaborate through artist-run events, creative forums, and community spaces.
Look out for hashtag events, open calls, and threads where you can showcase your art or join group projects.
These forums and conversations are great places to ask questions, learn tips, and connect with others who share your creative spirit.
You can find and join subreddits for NFTs.
Here is a great and active subreddit,r/hicetnunc.
Final thoughts
Hicetnunc’s story is more than just a platform; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when artists come together in a decentralized, inclusive space.
Even after its closure, the movement thrives through its successors, continuing to inspire bold creativity and cross-cultural collaboration.
If you’re new to NFTs or seeking genuine artistic communities, the Hicetnunc spirit lives on. It’s proof that in Web3, people, not platforms, shape the future of digital art.
