AI Pros and Cons for Museums

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in the cultural sector, particularly within museums. While the technology promises to revolutionize data analysis and curation, it also raises concerns about generative content and the influence of big tech companies. This duality of AI—its potential and pitfalls—is reshaping how museums operate and engage with their audiences.

Mike Ellis, director of Thirty8 Digital, emphasizes a measured approach to AI adoption in museums. He describes current AI as powerful prediction engines rather than truly intelligent systems. According to Ellis, AI can augment curators' work by handling large datasets and automating repetitive tasks, allowing experts to focus on creative and analytical roles. However, he warns against over-reliance on AI for content creation, stating that exhibitions generated entirely by AI lack the nuance and originality that human curators provide.

AI for Data Analysis

One of the most promising applications of AI in museums is data analysis. The Museum Data Service, a collaboration between Art UK, the Collections Trust, and the University of Leicester, aims to centralize over 100 million museum records from across the UK. Kevin Gosling, outgoing director of the Collections Trust, highlights AI's role in organizing and interpreting this vast dataset. By enabling museums to extract insights from their collections, AI can enhance research, accessibility, and public engagement.

Gosling notes that while AI excels at processing existing data, its generative capabilities are less appealing to museum professionals. Generative AI, which creates new content based on patterns in data, is viewed with skepticism due to its tendency to produce average or unoriginal results. Museums prioritize the authenticity and expertise that human curators bring to exhibitions and research.

AI Projects in Museums

Several museums are already leveraging AI to transform their operations. The Transforming Collections: Reimagining Art, Nation and Heritage project, led by Susan Pui San of the University of the Arts London, is a prime example. This three-year initiative focused on using AI to analyze and reinterpret museum collections, particularly in the context of decolonizing art history. The project involved collaborations with Tate and 14 other international collections.

Mick Grierson, a researcher at the University of the Arts London's Creative Computing Institute, explains that the project aimed to empower museum professionals to use AI effectively. By developing a tool that allows users to build custom machine learning models, the initiative seeks to make AI more accessible and practical for museum staff. This tool could enable curators to explore their collections in new ways, uncovering hidden connections and insights.

Big Tech Concerns

Despite the potential benefits of AI, the influence of big tech companies remains a significant concern. The Make it Fair campaign highlights the risks posed by tech giants using creative content to train their AI models without proper compensation or transparency. Publishers and creators argue that this practice threatens their livelihoods and undermines the value of their work. The campaign also criticizes proposed UK legislation that could favor tech platforms, allowing them to use creative content without permission or payment unless creators explicitly opt out.

Ellis echoes these concerns, describing big tech companies as hyper-wealthy monster companies that exploit creative content without fair compensation. He emphasizes the need for greater control and transparency to ensure that AI benefits the cultural sector without compromising the rights of creators.

Balancing Opportunities and Risks

As museums navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, they must strike a balance between innovation and ethical considerations. AI tools can enhance data analysis, streamline operations, and provide new ways to engage audiences. However, museums must remain vigilant about the limitations of generative AI and the potential for big tech to exploit their creative output. By adopting a measured and thoughtful approach, museums can harness the power of AI while preserving the integrity and authenticity of their collections.

In conclusion, AI offers museums a powerful set of tools to transform their operations and enhance public engagement. However, the technology also raises important questions about generative content, big tech influence, and the need for ethical guidelines. As AI continues to evolve, museums will play a crucial role in shaping its impact on the cultural sector, ensuring that innovation serves the greater good while respecting the value of human creativity and expertise.