Activating The Possible In Art

Constructively Critical: AI, Energy & Island Innovation Problem Solving

What does a world without admin look like for creative companies? Especially in the case of cultural organisations? With little to no admin to do — because it can all be automated and processed intelligently with greater efficiency than ever before — what else is possible?

AI is the greatest technical enabler since the internet, possibly since the industrial revolution. But like any significant advance, for all the opportunities it offers, it presents as many problems to solve.

The energy consumption required, chip manufacture and data centre cooling requirements result in considerable environmental impact. This is a real issue.

Does that mean we shouldn't use AI?

—No.

Is it irresponsible to use AI?

—No. In fact I think it's irresponsible not to. But only if we use it wisely and consciously.

Because if we invest a little bit of time and money in learning how to use AI properly then we can free ourselves from heavy admin burdens and automate all of the systems and processes that rob us of much of our time. Thus we find ourselves being rewarded with hours, or even days, of time that we didn’t previously have to be more creative, inquisitive, inventive and innovative. And that means we can make more amazing things happen and solve bigger and more complex problems — often with the help of AI.

Of course individuals and organisations have the right to decide not to use AI, or stream music, films or binge watch TV series, scroll social media, or use smartphones, or search the internet, or computers, or telephones, or cars, or banks, or whatever they disagree with in society on whichever grounds matter to them. I disagree with them and personally think that rejection and avoidance is a race to the bottom. But I'm not going to try to pressure anyone into doing anything they don't want to do.

People who point out, or more often complain about, the problems they perceive but offer no progressive alternatives or solutions, may ask themselves what they are contributing to society. Whereas those who approach problems with an open mind and desire to make things better can be a force for good, especially if they collaborate with other like-minded people.

You don’t like the environmental impact cause by AI computational consumption? Nor do I. So how about we envisage a better system then work together to make it happen? For example, what if we establish a public-private partnership to invest in local data centres situated on Scottish islands, powered by Scottish-generated hydrogen and cooled by sea water which is then used to heat homes, schools and community centres?

Does that sound pie in the sky or Pi in the Skye? Why? Rural cooperatives have funded community and arts projects through running windfarms. Anything is possible if you have a little bit of money (from the public sector) to attract some investment (from the private sector) a desire to do great things and make the world a better place (common characteristics in creative people) and some free time and headspace because you've offloaded your admin burden to machines and computer programmes that will do a far better job of it that you ever could.

Where one person sees only problems, others see only possibilities. I know where I'd rather be. What about you?