Human Preservation in the Digital Era: British Council Commits to Including Humans in Art and AI Collaboration
In the midst of AI redefining the creative sector, a heated argument centers around the crucial part humans play in shaping this new digital realm. The British Council vigorously advocates for artists as more than casual users of AI, but as pivotal architects of its growth and influence.
Hannah Andrews, the digital innovation whizz at the British Council, passionately declared at a SXSW London gathering, "Let's flip that question - 'what is the impact of AI on art?' to 'what is the impact of art on AI?'" This shift, according to Andrews, is not mere semantics, but a fundamental change.
"Artists alter technologies in reality, not just by testing them out, but by influencing public opinion," Andrews stated, hinting at a deep transformation in the very essence of creativity. This change mirrors the upheaval when photography and film first emerged as artistic mediums, sparking debates about what truly denotes human creativity.
If photography's artistic value hinges on framing and subject selection, AI's creative worth revolves around curation, prompting, and selecting variables. This parallel to groundbreaking art movements like Marcel Duchamp's readymades invites us to broaden our definition of art and, crucially, the artist's role within it.
Dr. Laura Herman, Adobe's AI research head, echoed this collaborative approach during the panel. Adobe, Herman explained, bases its design around co-creation, involving artists from the get-go instead of merely presenting AI prototypes and seeking opinions. This human-centric philosophy has extended to Adobe's data training, with the company using only licensed content to address artists' intellectual property concerns.
These matters are far from trivial, as AI systems have typically trained on datasets containing copyrighted works, triggering complex legal discussions about authorship and remuneration. UK legislative attempts to enact transparency and consent for AI training data, championed by Baroness Beeban Kidron, have met government opposition.
The backlash from the artistic community was swift and severe, with celebrities like Elton John and Dua Lipa branding the policy "criminal" and accusing ministers of enabling theft.
Both Herman and Andrews agree that artists bring more than just aesthetics to the table. "They're inventive, critical, and culturally aware," Herman stated. "I want people to critique our tools so we can improve them."
Andrews further emphasized the need for AI innovation to embrace diversity, stating, "To build resilient and forward-looking technologies, they must represent people – and that means reflecting the full spectrum of cultural expression, histories, narratives, comprehension, and values."
Herman shared her work with the 'inclusive AI lab,' a collaborative effort to develop AI systems alongside civic actors from the Global South. This initiative mirrors the emerging perspective among UK cultural institutions that designing AI is as much about intentional design as avoiding harm.
For Andrews, supporting AI innovation means nurturing individual artists first and foremost. "This human infrastructure is essential for fostering a sustainable AI future," she stated.
However, the relationship between AI and art remains contentious. Designer Andy Blackmore warns that AI poses an existential threat to the art world, arguing that it not only acts as a tool, but wields a "dangerous force" that risks annihilating human creativity, intent, and presence in art entirely.
While the British Council and Adobe advocate for artists as vital catalysts in AI development, the broader artistic community grapples with IP disputes, inaction from governments, and ethical dilemmas. Balancing technological advancement with respect for artists' rights and preserving human agency will shape the UK's cultural footprint in the arts.
[1] Adobe emphasizes artistic involvement in AI's evolution, combining creativity and imagination to improve AI tools.
[2] The British Council is committed to maintaining human involvement in the digital age, advocating for artists to shape AI development according to human values and artistic vision.
- Adobe is combining creativity and imagination from artists to improve AI tools, recognizing their influential role in shaping AI's evolution.
- The British Council is advocating for artists to actively participate in shaping AI development, ensuring it aligns with human values and artistic vision in the digital age.
