Artists are essential to AI and tech advancements

“AI WILL impact society in profound ways. Given this, it’s crucial that we think carefully about how AI can best serve humanity,” said Vukosi Marivate.

The Founder of Lelapa AI and Chief Investigation Officer at Masakhane was providing his views following the new British Council report which revealed artists are essential to technological advancement.

‘Why Technology Needs Artists: 40 international perspectives’, presents statements from 56 global leaders demonstrating how artists, cultural organisations and creative industries actively drive technological advancement whilst ensuring human values remain at the centre of innovation. 

The report challenges the traditional view of artists as technology users, instead positioning them as transformative agents, capable of making technologies more inclusive, sustainable and human-centred.

Artists must be recognised as essential partners in technological development, not merely users of technology.

Contributors range from quantum researchers to indigenous activists, providing diverse global perspectives on art’s crucial role in technological progress.

Key contributions include:

• Research leaders from Adobe, Lelapa AI and Google detail how artists contribute to human-centric development of high-growth technologies including AI and quantum computing.
• Erik Lucero, Lead Engineer at Google Quantum AI, explains how their Artists in Residence programme has “helped us reenvision the scientific lab” into “a space whose energy evokes innovation, inspiration, and creativity.”
• UK institutions Serpentine and FACT, alongside Germany’s LAS Art Foundation, demonstrate how cultural organisations provide low-risk environments for experimental technical research and development.
• Educational leaders from TUMO Centre for Creative Technologies in Armenia and Diriyah Art Futures in Saudi Arabia highlight cross-disciplinary art and technology education as essential for developing future skills.
• Heritage preservation experts from African Digital Heritage in Kenya and Colombia’s Centre for Historical Memory show how technology applications in cultural preservation strengthen community resilience.
• Artists including China’s Xu Bing and the UK’s Libby Heaney present art as a vital space for public understanding of complex technologies, from space satellites to quantum computing.
• The report argues that whilst conversations around technology and innovation intensify within the UK, artists remain under-recognised in public technology agendas despite their invaluable contributions to technological advancement.

Hannah Andrews, Director of Digital Innovation at the British Council, said: “Artists aren’t just using technology, they’re transforming it. From independent studios to quantum computing labs, artists internationally are creating new tools, demystifying complex concepts, and ensuring diverse voices shape our digital future. 

“This practice relies on a rich cultural and creative ecosystem which, both nationally and internationally, is an incredibly powerful asset; a network that is capable of not only advancing technology, but doing so from a place of awareness, sensitivity and cultural nuance. 

“I hope the perspectives shared in this report spark dialogue about how important it is that we invest in this network as part of shaping a representative, sustainable future.”

In a quote taken from the report from artist-duo Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhust said: “Artistic practice offers a relatively safe space in which to experiment in, before contemplating collective AI governance in higher-risk contexts such as health data. The process is equally thrilling and alienating, as on top of the pressures of producing art for a living we are running the world’s least funded AI think-tank from our kitchen.” 

Marivate said: “AI will impact society in profound ways.”

He added: “The answer to this question won’t come from computer scientists and engineers alone. 

“It will come from collaboration with social scientists, philosophers, artists, writers: those who deeply understand human culture, creativity and history – what makes us human.”

Absolutely Stevie Wonder-ful