ATP Tour Releases Customizable Tennis Posters as NFTs
The ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) has joined forces with the digital art platform Artchild to introduce “POSTERS,” a collection of limited-edition tennis posters that can be customized by fans. The collaboration is set to make its debut at the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals, taking place from Nov. 12 to 19, and will feature an official poster designed by acclaimed artist Honor Titus.
Honor Titus, a visual artist hailing from Los Angeles, California, is not only known for his artistic prowess but also for his deep passion for tennis. As both a devoted fan and an active player of the sport, Titus frequently incorporates tennis into his internationally exhibited paintings, using the game as a captivating lens through which to reflect on broader societal themes. The partnership between ATP and Artchild pays homage to the long-standing tradition of iconic sporting posters cherished by fans across generations.
Engagement via Customization
What sets “POSTERS” apart is the interactive element it offers to fans. Through the Artchild digital canvas and artist-curated color palettes, tennis enthusiasts will have the opportunity to customize and purchase their own versions of the Nitto ATP Finals Official Poster. Each customized poster will come to life as a physical print, carefully packaged and shipped to fans’ homes.
Honor Titus said in a press release, “Tennis inspires me deeply. It is so very rich with history and elegant nuance that it makes for an excellent subject for the artist. The lines between intensity, order, and insanity are as thick as the service line.”
In a nod to the digital age, every poster will also be accompanied by an NFT on the Polygon blockchain. A select number of these fan-customized posters will be prominently displayed at the Pala Alpitour arena. The official poster, in its original design by Honor Titus, along with its digital counterpart, will be exclusively available for purchase during the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals.
“POSTERS is all about connecting fans with major moments in tennis,” said Mark Epps, ATP Director of Communications and Web3. “We were inspired by the idea of a creative experience that gives everyone a chance to be part of the story and to reimagine one of the most iconic collectibles in tennis culture.”
This announcement isn’t ATP’s first foray into Web3. In November of 2022, ATP collaborated with Art Blocks, in conjunction with the artist Martin Grasser, to introduce the “Love” digital art series. This unique collection was intricately crafted using match data from the 2022 Finals.