The DePaul Symposium on AI in the Arts

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Daley Building, LL 105 (Basement Theater

14 E. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60604
Networking Reception from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

RSVP (for in-person or remote attendance): Please register here.

The DePaul AI Institute invites you to a symposium exploring the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the arts. Join us for a series of presentations and panel discussions on how AI is reshaping artistic creation, interpretation, and consumption, alongside the ethical, cultural, and legal considerations it brings. This event, designed for the DePaul community, is a unique opportunity to connect with collaborators across disciplines. Mark your calendar to join us in this thought-provoking exploration!

Symposium Highlights:

• Presentations and panel discussions on AI’s influence in the arts and creative processes, and on the ethical and legal considerations of using AI in the arts
• Networking Reception to engage with peers, industry experts, and external partners.
• Special performance by Jeff Mills at 11 AM, Communications Theatre LL 102 [details to come soon)

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the program Webpage.

Program
 

1:00 – 1:10 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:10 – 2:05 PM: Keynote Talk –  Andy Beach, formerly the CTO of Media and Entertainment at Microsoft. Title: “The Creative Threshold: AI, Disruption, and the Human Spark” [Abstract and Bio]

2:05 – 2:15 PM: Short Break

2:15 – 3:10 PM: Panel Discussion – AI as a Creative Collaborator: Exploring AI’s Role in Transforming Artistic Practices
Panelists: 

• Bryan Pardo – Professor of Computer Science and the head of Interactive Audio Lab, @ Northwestern University
• Rufino Jimenez  – Art Specialist at the Art Institute of Chicago, and Adjunct Professor at DePaul University Art School
• Jessica Larva – Associate Professor at DePaul University Art School and Area Head for Studio Art
• Rob Steel (Moderator) –  Professor of post production and multimedia animation at the DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts

3:10 – 3:20 PM: Short Break

3:20 – 4:15 PM: Panel Discussion – AI in the Arts: Ownership, Ethics & Artistic Control
Panelists:

• Ross Hersemann – Founder of Loading Law and Adjunct Professor of video game law at the DePaul University School of Design
• Michael Grynberg – Raymond P. Niro Professor of Intellectual Property Law at the DePaul University College of Law
• Nathan Koch – Artist, designer, and composer, and Professional Lecturer, at the DePaul University School of Design
• Brian Andrews (Moderator) – Associate Professor of visual effects and animation at the DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts

4:15 – 4:20 PM: Short Break

4:20 – 4:50 PM: Presentation: Ben Y. Zhao, Neubauer Professor of Computer Science at University of Chicago. Title: “Glaze,  Protecting Artists Against Style Mimicry”

4:50 – 5:00 PM: Conclusions & Reflections

5:00 – 6:30 PM: Networking Reception (at: the Jarvis Center for Innovation and Collaboration)

RSVP (for in-person or remote attendance): Please register here.

For questions, please contact:

• Bamshad Mobasher (mobasher@cs.depaul.edu)
• Rob Steel (rsteel@cdm.depaul.edu)