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Do we still need artists in a generative AI world? 

14:00-15:16 Wednesday 19 November | Cinema 1, Watershed | Part of the Festival of Economics 2025

As generative AI technologies continue to evolve, the role of artists and creative professionals is under scrutiny. This session brings together a panel of academic experts and practitioners from the creative industries to explore the implications of AI on artistic expression and creation. Our expert panel will discuss whether the rise of AI-generated art diminishes the value of human creativity or if it catalyses new forms of artistic collaboration. The session will consider how creative industries can adapt and thrive in an era increasingly defined by technology. 

Panel: Margaret Heffernan (University of Bath; Chair), Reema Selhi (DACS), Katy Shaw (Creative Communities), Ruth Towse (Bournemouth University)

Photo: Millann for iStock