Goldsmiths, University of London, and Arts Council England (ACE) have announced a collaboration to develop best practice guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the cultural sector. The collaboration has received a fellowship award from Bridging the Responsible AI Divide (Braid), a national research program funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This award will support Oonagh Murphy, senior lecturer in digital culture and society at Goldsmiths, to work with the arts council over the next 18 months. Their aim is to explore how AI can be integrated into the work of the arts council and the organizations it supports in an ethical and responsible manner. Murphy, who previously led the Museums + AI Network, a research network that examined the ethical implications of AI in museums, will conduct interviews with arts council staff and professionals in the cultural sector. This research will help understand how AI may impact their work, while also reviewing emerging literature and best practices in AI usage. The resulting guidance will focus on maximizing the benefits of AI experimentation, as well as addressing potential risks to intellectual property rights and the livelihoods of workers in the sector, along with ways to mitigate such risks. Dr.

Murphy expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting that it takes a comprehensive approach and offers an opportunity to rethink how AI will influence the work of ACE. Tonya Nelson, the arts council's executive director of enterprise and innovation, emphasized the importance of helping cultural organizations understand and incorporate new technologies. Nelson sees AI as having the potential to significantly impact the cultural sector and looks forward to working with Dr. Murphy to explore responsible and innovative uses of AI. Braid is a three-year research program funded by AHRC and led by the University of Edinburgh, with support from the Ada Lovelace Institute and the BBC.