Future Stages

In an era where AI is marketed as redefining the boundaries of creativity and arts, it is important to understand its impact on the performing arts. The Future Stages event, organised by Ulrike Quade Company and Innovation:Lab, provides a platform to analyse, discuss and envision the future of creativity in a partially/hybrid digitally driven world. We explore whether it is possible to become an AI cyborg in the performing arts field, and what artistic, societal and ethical questions we should take into consideration when morphing into that creature.

Does AI enhance or hinder creativity?
This event will bring together industry experts to explore the impact of AI on creativity. Through engaging discussions and insightful presentations, we aim to address the fundamental question: Does AI enhance or hinder creativity?

Diverse audience
Future Stages welcomes all curious minds passionate about the evolving relationship between technology and the arts. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding artist, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone intrigued by the fusion of creativity and innovation, this event is for you. We believe it's essential that everyone attends to bridge the gap between experts and newcomers. This inclusive environment encourages collaboration and allows everyone to contribute and learn, regardless of background or expertise.

Over de sprekers

Piek Knijff (1981) is a philosopher and data ethicist, and director of Philosophy in Action. Since 2011, Piek has been concerned with the ethical side of digitisation, technology, data and algorithms and prompts thinking in organisations about them. During Future Stages #7, Piek dissects the narrative surrounding AI and takes you through an ethical look at this technological development from her political and social philosophical background.

Tom van de Wetering (1986) studied New Media & Digital Culture at Utrecht University and then worked on critically-hilarious stories at media lab SETUP. Currently at HKU, he is responsible for vision and education development in the field of generative Artificial Intelligence. During Future Stages, Tom talks about his experiments with speech synthesis at Innovation:Lab and how to assess such AI-assisted (artistic) performances as a teacher, audience or theatre critic. What feedback do you give an AI and what feedback is an AI itself capable of?

Nikzad Arabshahi, an interdisciplinary artist, holds a background in Visual Art and Computer Science, with studies in ArtScience at the Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten. Since 2003, he has excelled in visual and generative art, specializing in immersive multimedia environments and A/V performances. Nikzad collaborates with professionals in various fields, such as creative industries, music festivals, and theater productions, to broaden his understanding of interdisciplinary arts and enhance his innovative works. In the future stage, he shares firsthand experiences in integrating AI, ML, and creative coding into performances and installations.