# FAQ Friends of HEK ### **How do I join Friends of HEK?** After purchasing a one-year membership, you’ll receive an invitation link to our private Discord server via email. This is where all community activities and communication take place. ### **What does membership offer?** As a member, you gain access to a shared space for discussion, co-creation, and experimentation. This includes community-curated exhibitions on [virtual.hek.ch](https://virtual.hek.ch), open calls for projects, shared voting, exclusive workshops, and free admission to all exhibitions and events at HEK. Each year, we also host a hybrid summer gathering. ### **How does Discord work?** Discord is a platform for group communication — think of it as a space with different channels for different conversations. You can chat, join events, and access shared resources.\ 👉 [Beginner’s Guide to Discord](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045138571-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Discord)\ Need help getting started? Email us at **** and we’ll happily arrange a short onboarding call. ### **Where do activities take place?** Most activities happen on our Discord server. If something takes place on-site or elsewhere, we’ll let you know in advance by email and on Discord. ### **Why is the membership no longer token-based?** *Friends of HEK* began as a blockchain project. Over time, it became clear that market volatility, legal uncertainties, and access barriers made participation harder than it needed to be. That’s why we moved the membership off-chain — to make things more open and easier to join. ### **How long is the membership valid?** Membership is valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase. ### **How much does it cost?** We offer three standard price tiers: * **Cute Friend** – CHF 50.– * **Iconic Friend** – CHF 100.– * **Mega Friend** – CHF 600.– You choose the tier that works for you. Everyone receives the same benefits.\ If you’d like to give more, you can become an **Ultimate Friend** (CHF 650+), with or without public mention. ### **What is a DAO?** DAO stands for Decentralized Autonomous Organization — a model of collective governance originally built on the blockchain. While *Friends of HEK* is no longer token-based, the core idea of shared responsibility still shapes the project. You could think of us as a “DOW” — a Decentralized Organization Worldwide. ### **Is there onboarding or help for new members?** Yes! If you’re new to Discord or want help finding your way around, we’re happy to walk you through it. Just get in touch: ****. *** ## **More Questions** ### **Do I need to be active to stay a member?** No pressure at all. You can be as active or passive as you like — join discussions, vote, propose ideas, or simply observe and stay informed. ### **Do I need to be an artist or have experience with media art?** Not at all! *Friends of HEK* is open to everyone — whether you’re an artist, researcher, enthusiast, or just curious about collective work and digital culture. ### **What kind of decisions can I take part in?** Members are invited to shape the program — from curating exhibitions and selecting artists to proposing projects and helping decide what to fund or focus on.