LuovAIn! project helps people of the creative and cultural sector find their place in the changing world of artificial intelligence

The main project partner is the Pori Unit of the University of Turku School of Economics (TSE Pori) and the sub-project partners are the University of Oulu, LAB University of Applied Sciences and the University of Tampere.

Project manager Tuomas Pohjola from TSE Pori says that the project will bring AI tools to the forefront but will also use them as an example in its own operations.

"We have multidisciplinary development from the perspective of art, technology and economics, for example," he explains.
Susanna Virkki, a project researcher from the same unit as Pohjola, is working full-time on the project. Virkki's background includes art history.

"We are using all the networks and other contacts we have built up in the project to get different perspectives," says Virkki.

Concrete Actions to Support Creative and Cultural Industries

The project organizes workshops across Finland and develops educational materials to assist professionals in creative industries. One tangible and easily accessible form of support is the collection of examples of AI tools available on the project’s website, which industry professionals can use in their daily work. These tools include both free and paid applications. AI tools can be utilized, for example, for information retrieval, inspiration, skill testing, and the creation of drafts and concepts.

Markus Sjöberg, a researcher at Tampere University, has been tasked with practically applying AI tools in real-world scenarios. With a background in social sciences, sociology, and arts education, Sjöberg emphasizes that these experiments go beyond mere technical testing. He is involved in projects where he aims to solve real-world problems using artificial intelligence.

"We have developed an excellent, versatile, and responsive culture of action in this national project. Every week brings something new, but I think we have been able to adapt and navigate well as LuovAIn! in this changing world of artificial intelligence right from the start," Sjöberg explains.

AI Art Exhibition to Inspire Thought

In June 2024, the LuovAIn! project was featured at the SLASH! event held alongside SuomiAreena in Pori, where it presented an AI-powered demonstration exhibition. According to Project Manager Pohjola, the event provided an excellent opportunity to raise the project’s visibility and showcase how following them could provide valuable insights into diverse applications of artificial intelligence.

The exhibition showcased AI-generated images, videos, and audio. The prompts used to generate the content were created by Sjöberg, who stated that the primary aim of the exhibition was to provoke thought.

"Artificial intelligence is truly transforming the entire ecosystem. This doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone needs to create AI art or use AI in their creative work, but because it impacts the whole ecosystem, the key is that each of us becomes part of the change," he says.

The project emphasizes that people should not dismiss the idea of AI, as it is already part of our daily lives and can serve as an excellent tool when used effectively. On an individual level, it is important to actively consider and find one’s place in the changes brought by AI. LuovAIn! has taken on the mission of helping people discover their role in this evolving landscape.

"It’s understandable that people are concerned about the potential risks of AI, especially given how quickly new applications are emerging. However, I would still encourage keeping an open mind and exploring what might be beneficial for oneself," Virkki concludes.

Artificial intelligence in the ecosystem of the creative and cultural sector - LuovAIn! project’s journey will culminate in 2026 with a roadshow that spans ten cities across Finland, ending in Oulu, the European Capital of Culture 2026. The project is being implemented from 2024 to 2026 with national ESR+ funding for innovation expertise in the creative and cultural industries.

More information about the project

Text and photo: Marge Ollila