Funding for National AI Research Centres Announced
The Norwegian government has unveiled plans to allocate funding to six national research centres specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), with the MishMash – Centre for AI and Creativity slated to receive NOK 173 million over the next five years. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate the arts into the evolving landscape of AI development.
Recognition of the Arts in AI Development
Dean Frode Thorsen from the Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD) hailed the funding as a transformative step. He noted that this grant highlights the importance of the arts in shaping future AI innovations, both within academic circles and beyond.
Leadership and Collaborative Institutions
Professor Alexander Refsum Jensenius from the University of Oslo will spearhead the MishMash centre, which is expected to commence operations this fall. The initiative will be governed by a collaborative effort among four leading institutions: the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, the University of Agder, and the University of Inland Norway.
Research at the Intersection of Art and Technology
MishMash aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between artificial intelligence and creativity, focusing on how AI interacts with humans, machines, and society. This national centre seeks to explore the confluence of AI and artistic expression, fostering collaboration between the cultural sector and academia.
Objectives of the Centre
The primary mission of MishMash is to create and analyze AI applications within creative practices. The centre plans to study the effects of AI on artistic processes, develop co-creative AI technologies, and consider the ethical, cultural, and societal implications of AI in creative fields.
Interdisciplinary Contributions from KMD
The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design has been instrumental in formulating this project, which harmonizes artistic inquiry with scientific exploration across various domains, including music, health, gaming, film, and cultural heritage. The formation of MishMash is a culmination of merging four significant proposals into a singular national initiative.
Key Components of the Centre’s Research
KMD is overseeing two major work packages, contributing to a third, and participating in the centre’s administrative leadership. The focus areas include:
– AI for Artistic Processes, led by Budhaditya Chattopadhyay, an acclaimed sound artist who will integrate AI into sound and media arts.
– Creative Use of AI in Health and Wellbeing, spearheaded by music therapy expert Claire Ghetti, who will explore inclusive applications of AI in health-focused artistic contexts.
– AI for Cultural Heritage, directed by Arnulf Mattes, who will investigate how AI can serve to analyze and preserve Norway’s rich cultural heritage in collaboration with the National Library of Norway.
Engagement and Participation
Senior Adviser Thomas de Ridder from KMD will also join the administrative leadership of MishMash. Over the next five years, 17 faculty members from KMD are anticipated to contribute to this innovative project, which includes a funding allocation of NOK 15 million to the faculty.
Strengthening Artistic Research Across Norway
MishMash is poised to make a significant impact in Bergen, where much of its activity will be hosted at KMD. The initiative is designed to foster connections among creative and performing arts communities nationwide. A total of 19 universities, university colleges, and research institutes across Norway are participating, including notable organizations such as AHO, BI, NTNU, UiA, UiB, and UiO, as well as research institutes like NILU and SINTEF.
Broadening the Network of Partners
In addition to domestic institutions, MishMash is collaborating with a diverse array of international partners from the fields of AI, technology, and the arts. This includes various museums, studios, and organizations within the creative industries. Significant cultural entities in Western Norway, such as the Bergen Centre for Electronic Arts and the Bergen International Festival, are also integral to the project, further enhancing its reach and impact.
