AI in Creative Spaces
AI in Creative Spaces | Arnav Khanolkar | Arts and Entertainment
Over the past few years, generative artificial intelligence has expanded into the creative arts. The rise of AI tools such as DALL-E 3 and Adobe Firefly has changed how art is created, and this influence is felt at Stanton College Preparatory School, where teachers and students alike are affected by the application of artificial intelligence.
The integration of AI in creative spaces has shifted how visual and fine arts are perceived. DALL-E, the most popular generative art software, was released by OpenAI in 2021 and generates images based on visual descriptions. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in February 2023 found 31% of Americans describe these programs as a major advancement for the visual arts, while another 39% describe it as a minor advance in creating images from keywords. As AI-generated art becomes more common, debates emerge regarding the growth of technology and the loss of creative thinking by artists.
AI experts are voicing concerns about how software is impacting artists. Schools like the University of North Florida is working to create policies for responsible AI use. Mr. Joshua Gellers, a political science professor at UNF, has been appointed as the first faculty fellow for artificial intelligence and ishelping lead its response.
“There are generally two types of reactions to this issue,” said Mr. Gellers. “One is that this technology divorces humans from creativity by allowing untrained people to create these works without any formal training. At the same time, other folks think that humans have always used in some form of technology for creative expression.”
Experts like Mr. Gellers are often assigned with the task of creating plans for schools to implement AI sustainably. The tools are utilized in a way that will benefit students, teachers, and faculty in their respective fields. At Stanton, Mrs. Carrie Santa-Lucia, an art teacher, is thinking ahead on how AI will impact the art industry.
“AI has a place in the future [of] art and it will be interesting to see how creative minds engage with this tool,” said Santa-Lucia. “Creating and engaging with something made by our own hands is a powerful experience that will never be replaced by technology”.
The growth of AI tools has not come without controversy. The software Midjourney was involved in a notable incident in 2022 when an AI-generated piece by artist Jason Allen won the top prize at the Colorado State Fair’s digital arts competition. This case sparked outrage across the art community, with critics raising questions on the value of AI-generated pieces compared to authentic human creations.
At Stanton, students hold mixed opinions about these developments. Students use AI in art to expand their outlooks to avoid the traditional creative constraints. The generative tools can be used to experiment with different styles, techniques, and themes that have not been otherwise attempted. AI enables artists with limited resources been otherwise
attempted. AI enables artists with limited resources or skills to bring their creativity and perspectives to life efficiently and effectively.
“Computers can now perform tasks at insanely high speeds and [with] AI, we have a new superpower to aid [humans]” said sophomore Aghamarsh Mogallur, co-founder of Volta AI, a local nonprofit aiming to make AI more accessible. “AI can give ideas or a timeline for creating art. Everyone should explore AI as [it] is the future.”
Other students feel that AI may diminish the value of expressing their ideas through art. The software’s ability to create pieces in seconds, which traditionally takes humans hours, raises concerns. Artists worry about the loss of emotion and original ideas in creative works.
“[Art] is a calming alternative [I use] to express my emotions,” said junior art student Sirius Chipperfield. “When AI [creates art], there’s no emotion in it. People are creating [art] without their own abilities and the skills [required].”
Generative tools are set to expand in efficiency. The adoption of AI software, currently at 39.4%, is outpacing previous technologies like personal computers and the internet. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology held a panel discussion in October 2023, where they found that AI integration in the arts is uncertain. To meet the themes of integration in the arts, AI must emerge, embody, and meet ethical expectations.
Regardless of the various perspectives on the growth of AI tools, software isbeing optimized as it is being implemented in creative spaces. Large language models are becoming increasingly efficient and effective in their capabilities. Artists should expect artificial intelligence to significantly impact creative outlooks in the future.