Should AI be Used in The Arts?

The role of AI in art and culture is hotly debated. As I watch this tech permeate various sectors, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is reshaping our current way of living.

I’m studying the ethical implications of tech, but it’s in my nature to find the positives too. So lets talk about some of the ways AI is serving as a catalyst for new ideas.

Before we do, I want to be clear that the argument against AI interfering with the arts is sound. Why should AI replace human creativity when it’s so unique to each of us? I am not proposing that; I am simply offering a different vantage point where we view AI in art and culture as a catalyst for creativity rather than a replacement.

The Intersection of AI and Art

Every time I watch my young son paint I am reminded of why art is so personal. Without a doubt it’s the human touch that breathes life into art.

And while yes, a handful of artists are at their best while in solitude, many will tell you they crave collaboration and critiques from those they trust.

In the grandest scheme of things, I think an AI tool can be trained (by the artists’ themselves) as a collaborator – essentially serving as an assistant – to provide the kind of business and creative support they need based on how the tech can serve them.

If anything, I expect to see the demand for art created by human hands to become more valuable, and AI-generated designs will be the affordable option.

With that in mind, here are some practical ways I envision AI being intertwined with the arts in an ethical way:

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From an educational perspective, teachers in any creative discipline can leverage AI to experiment with styles and techniques. Things that used to take years to digest by traditional means can be more accurately conveyed.

I’m thinking about my fine arts course in college that could’ve grabbed my attention much more efficiently with an interactive way to engage with the art. Discussing art with an AI tool as a means of learning the fundamentals sounds pretty cool to me, if I’m honest!

Musicians and Composers: AI in Music Education

As a huge music fan, I keep an open mind when it comes to advancing technology. I remember when T-Pain took autotune mainstream and spent years defending his creative choice, only for us to find out (pretty recently) that he can sing like an angel. He doesn’t need autotune, he likes it.

Artificial Intelligence is not going to make music alone. A human has to prompt the tool to get an output. Kind of like how DJs or sound mixers use tech.

The more you think about how pervasive technology is in the music industry, the less worrisome AI seems.

AI in Music Education

From the education standpoint, we know people can train AI algorithms to streamline their composition process. Innovations like Google’s Magenta project or IBM’s Watson Beat provide platforms for artists to explore and create music in genres they may not be familiar with, pushing the boundaries of their creative horizons.

Music teachers will be using AI in the classroom to help students master new techniques faster. This does not detract from their creative ability to make music but rather it will likely enhance it.

To draw another comparison, my brother taught himself the guitar in the living room just sitting there, figuring out chords. My son is learning the guitar so much faster with YouTube tutorials.

Advancements in tech are not good or bad, they are nuanced and therefore we must discuss how we want to see the social norms develop with major advancements like AI.

Ethical Implications of AI in Music

From a creative standpoint, the ethical implications are clear. If someone uses AI to make their song better and lies about how it was produced, that’s wrong. An AI voice shouldn’t get a Grammy nod.

In terms of industry clout and accolades, I imagine a genre of AI music will have to be incorporated to keep traditional music artists from feeling like they’re competing with computers. What do you think?

One of the coolest things I see people using AI for in the arts is related to preserving culture.

From reconstructing lost artifacts using 3D printing to digital archiving of ancient texts, historians are working with developers to create some meaningful uses of AI to help ensure future generations have access.

Moreover, it helps increase accessibility. Harkening back to the fine arts comment I made earlier, and I’m aging myself here, but seeing Monet’s work in a textbook is a lot less exciting than viewing it on my computer where I can now zoom in and better appreciate the details.

You know what’s even cooler? Having AI create a 3d rendering I can explore in my VR headset complete with original texture and brush strokes.

Embracing AI Without Compromising Your Integrity

Finally lets talk about how artists can let AI handle routine tasks so they can focus their creativity where it truly matters. For professionals, managing all the business elements detracts from creative time. I speak from experience!

If you choose not to use AI as a creative collaborator, you can still consider letting it handle some of the more mundane tasks like scheduling appointments, scheduling social media posts, and writing your grocery list, to name a few.

If you’re ready to explore how AI can enhance your artistic endeavors or cultural projects, please Subscribe to YouTube and hear my honest insights about AI tools that can elevate your work without compromising your values.

And if you’re ready to embrace AI but need guidance, reach out at rachel@bellestrategies.com or book a Complimentary Consultation.