Artificial intelligence: German Kulturrat publishes pioneering position paper

On October 9, 2024, the German Cultural Council position paper under the name "Artificial Intelligence: Develop framework conditions for art and culture" .

Dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) and its regulation is a central social challenge.

Trust in the authenticity of information is increasingly being put to the test, while at the same time widespread concern about the potential replacement of human creativity and workforce exists by AI . With the progressive integration of AI systems in decision-making processes, responsibility deficits come to light that urgently need to be addressed in order to ensure broad social acceptance.

In this position paper, the field of activity of artists, cultural educational institutions as well as companies in the cultural and creative industries is examined in detail. Both the promising opportunities and the weighty risks in dealing with AI in the areas of art and culture are discussed comprehensively.

The aim is to create a well -founded basis for a constructive conversation about the role of AI in the creative landscape and to promote the dialogue between the actors.

We have read into the position paper of the German Cultural Council for you and show the elementary points in a merged form.

AI as a tool for artistic and creative work

Many artists as well as creatives of the cultural and creative industries are open to new tools , in particular artificial intelligence (AI), who can revolutionize their creative processes. While AI enables the realization of previously unreachable artistic ideas, however, the interests and rights of the cultural actors must be maintained . European standards in Privacy and copyright law must be observed by both European and non-European providers.

The German Culture Council emphasizes the dangers of generative AI and creates an opinion on the aspects of copyright in the context of new AI regulations. Both economic and ethical and cultural consequences should be viewed closely. The introduction of AI tools raises questions about human performance, especially with regard to the transparency between human creativity and AI generated content.

There are currently many inexpensive or free AI offers that often disregard Privacy and copyrights. In order to ensure legally secure handling of these tools, better clarification is necessary. At the same time, users want access to affordable and privacy compliant applications.

AI in non-artistic work in art, culture and media

In the art, cultural and media sector, artificial intelligence (AI) not only changes artistic, but also non-artistic work. This influences job profiles and requires a rethink in the work logic. However, KI offers opportunities to reduce the shortage of skilled workers, especially in repetitive tasks, also carries the risk of job losses.

The ratio between forecast reduction in workplace and the existing need for skilled workers remains uncertain. Therefore, targeted qualification and further training of employees is essential. It is important to proactively deal with current and future changes and not to make the use of AI lightly.

In addition, transparency regulations are necessary where results from generative AI are created or interpreted.

AI in general education

The competent handling of artificial intelligence (AI) represents an important educational policy challenge that affects all areas of education, from school to extra-curricular to adult and senior citizens.

People of all ages are required to deal with the potential, functional and limits of generative models in order to use them sensibly for creative work. A realistic assessment of your possibilities and the risks, such as abusive applications for disinformation or views of imaging (Deep Fakes) , is essential.

In the future, comprehensive AI competence needed. Life -accompanying learning as well as cultural education and media education play a key role here; Therefore, the expansion of further and further education for educational staff is essential.

AI in university teaching and training

AI is increasingly used as a tool in university teaching and by students, especially in art and cultural studies. The challenge is that students have to provide independent exams, while at the same time the scope for use and checking AI-supported work must be checked.

The curricula should firmly anchor the use of AI and promote the creative handling and documentation of their use. The training of the teachers also plays a central role here. In the case of new occupations, it should be checked whether knowledge of dealing with AI is required.

It is also important to intensify research on the effects of AI on art and cultural diversity and to integrate its development into teaching from an artistic perspective.

In vocational training, it is also crucial that trainees acquire skills in dealing with AI. In the art, cultural and media sector, it is already considered a matter of course. In order to ensure the quality of the training, prospective specialists should be prepared for competent and critical use of AI - both in the practical and school part of their training.

AI and accessibility

The creation of accessibility in the cultural sector is a task for society as a whole and, according to the UN Convention on the Rights of Disability, an obligation by the Federal Republic of Germany. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers the opportunity to make access to art, culture and media more individual and effective - taking into account copyright.

In the position paper, the German Cultural Council calls for the public sector to promote research and development of high-quality AI solutions and to support institutions and companies in implementing them.

AI and cultural heritage

In its statement on digitization, the German Cultural Council calls for a consistent procedure for the federal government. Instead of strengthening existing projects such as the German digital library , new, temporary initiatives are launched, which fragmented resources instead of bundling. Digitization of non-commercial memory, such as museums and libraries, remains inadequate-this prevents the use of AI potential for research and access to stocks.

In addition, AI opens up opportunities in public research and in the artistic field. The promotion of such applications is important because cultural institutions as non-commercial spaces can try out ethical handling of AI. However, a clear delimitation from commercial applications is necessary.

The German Culture Council also emphasizes the need for adequate remuneration for authors in the digital context.

Opinion of the managing director

The managing director of the German Cultural Council, Olaf Zimmermann , finds the following final word:

"Our current positioning on the framework conditions for art and culture in times of artificial intelligence ends with the conclusion that it is essential for us that authors are also appropriately remunerated. Actually, a matter of course, but at the moment we are still far away from this goal.

The complete position paper "Artificial Intelligence: Develop framework conditions for art and culture" can here .