How Museums can embrace generative AI to enhance visitor experiences

The AI revolution in cultural institutions: Museums and other cultural organizations are exploring specialized AI tools to address longstanding issues and enhance their operations beyond general-purpose applications.

• The Transforming Collections research project, part of the Towards a National Collection program in the UK, aimed to develop machine learning solutions tailored to the specific needs of cultural institutions.
• Professor Mick Grierson from the University of the Arts London’s Creative Computing Institute led the research, which focused on creating AI tools that can be customized and easily used by museum staff.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is key: The development of effective AI solutions for museums requires input from diverse experts, including curators, art historians, and data protection officers.

• General-purpose AI models often fall short in addressing museum-specific concerns, such as accurately labeling race in digitized collections, which is crucial for decolonization efforts.
• A public sector approach is necessary to create AI tools that cater to the unique needs of cultural institutions, as commercial incentives may not align with these requirements.

Customizable AI tools for museums: The research project has developed specialized AI models that can be adapted to individual institutional needs, empowering museum staff to address specific challenges.

• One such tool allows users to analyze texts or images to identify subtle structural biases and omissions in collections.
• These models can be easily downloaded, customized, and shared among colleagues, even with limited data and local IT systems.

Democratizing AI technology: The project aims to make AI more accessible to museum professionals, countering the notion that it requires extensive expertise to use effectively.

• User-friendly interfaces enable museum staff to embed their perspectives into the technology, tailoring it to their specific contexts and needs.
• This approach allows institutions of all sizes to benefit from AI without relying on expensive external consultants or large tech companies.

Addressing public sector challenges: AI tools developed specifically for cultural institutions can tackle issues that may not be prioritized by commercial entities.

• These tools can help museums identify gaps in their collections, analyze structural biases, and surface suppressed histories.
• By developing their own AI solutions, museums can maintain control over their data and avoid sharing sensitive information with large tech companies.

Integrating AI with artistic practice: The research project also highlighted the importance of incorporating AI into the creative process and public engagement.

• A week-long program of cultural events ran alongside the conference, showcasing artists working with AI through installations and presentations.
• Notable contributions included Stephanie Dinkins’ exploration of AI’s intersection with race and gender, and Erika Tan’s sound installation created using museum collection data.

Fostering inclusive AI development: The project emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in AI development for cultural institutions.

• By involving artists, curators, and other creative professionals in the development process, the resulting AI tools better reflect the needs and values of the cultural sector.
• This inclusive approach helps ensure that AI solutions are not only technically effective but also culturally sensitive and ethically sound.

Broader implications for AI in culture: The development of specialized AI tools for museums could have far-reaching consequences for how cultural institutions operate and engage with their audiences.

• As these tools become more widespread, they may fundamentally change how museums curate exhibitions, manage collections, and interpret cultural heritage.
• The success of this approach in the museum sector could inspire similar interdisciplinary collaborations in other fields, potentially leading to more tailored and effective AI solutions across various industries.