Hosted by the Accelerator Fellowship Programme (AFP) at the University of Oxford
- Location: University of Oxford, Rhodes House
- Date: 18 February 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
On 18 February 2025, the Accelerator Fellowship Programme hosted a one-day workshop on AI and creativity at the University of Oxford. The event brought together leading computer scientists, technologists, and creatives to explore the evolving relationship between AI and the creative industries.
As AI reshapes artistic and creative processes, the workshop provided a platform for discussion, learning, and collaboration. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking conversations about AI’s potential, its challenges, and the steps needed to ensure that technological advancements support and enhance human creativity rather than diminish it.
The event featured three key sessions:
- An Overview of AI and Creativity: AI experts, including Sir Nigel Shadbolt, provided insights into the latest AI trends and tools that are shaping the creative landscape.
- AI in Action – Creative Showcases: Creatives demonstrated how AI is integrated into their work and discussed the challenges they face in navigating AI’s influence on artistic production.
- Collaborative Work on AI and Creativity: Participants worked together to craft a collective statement summarising the creative community’s perspectives on how AI innovation should support and protect human creativity.
The statement was designed to contribute to government consultations on creative copyright and AI.
Event Agenda
- 10:00 – 10:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
- 10:30 – 10:45 | Introduction – Baroness Beeban Kidron & Dr. Caroline Green (Oxford)
- 10:45 – 12:15 | AI Tech Session – Sir Nigel Shadbolt (Oxford) & Prof. Philip Torr (Oxford)
- 12:15 – 12:30 | AI Showcase – Shehani Fernando (Vocalize)
- 12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch & Networking
- 13:45 – 15:15 | Industry Insights Panel - Ed Newton-Rex (Fairly Trained), Laurent Gaveau (Founder, Google Arts & Culture Lab), Kit Green (Writer & Performer) The Drawing Room, The Economist
- 5:30 – 16:30 | Legal & Business Insights + Working Session: Dr. Susie Alegre (Human Rights Lawyer & Author), Seb Cuthill (News Media Association, Parliamentary & Campaigns Manager)
- 16:30 – 16:45 | Wrap-up & Next Steps
Looking Ahead
The workshop provided valuable insights and action points for how AI and the creative industries can coexist and thrive together. Discussions from the event will help inform future policy recommendations and support the ethical and responsible integration of AI in creative fields.
For further details about this event or upcoming AFP initiatives, please contact aiethicsafp@philosophy.ox.ac.uk.
