AUTHOR=Duester Emma 

TITLE=Digital art work and AI: a new paradigm for work in the contemporary art sector in China

JOURNAL=European Journal of Cultural Management and Policy

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/european-journal-of-cultural-management-and-policy/articles/10.3389/ejcmp.2024.12470

DOI=10.3389/ejcmp.2024.12470

ISSN=2663-5771

ABSTRACT=This paper explores athe paradigm shift in work culture in the contemporary art sector creative industries due to digital transition and the introduction of AI in artistic practices. This includes investigation into the often overlooked aspects of artists' work, particularly their everyday artistic practices that increasingly include digital software and AI. This paper conceptualizes this as 'digital art work', whereby Nnew ways of working with AI and digital software are embedded and normalized in everyday Chinese artistic practices. This work includes new forms of creativity and efficiency, yet, simultaneously includes new types of digital labour. This paper conceptualizes this as 'digital art work', which draws attention to the often-overlooked aspects of artists' work, particularly their everyday artistic practices that increasingly include digital software and AI. Wwhat is the role and position of the artist in an environment where AI is becoming more powerful and central in art creation and how artists creatively (mis)use AI? What does this changeparadigm shift in work culturepractices mean for the future of the artist's role and the future of the contemporary art sector? This paper draws on 4850 semi-structured interviews with contemporary visual artists and arts professionals, including painters, sculptors, mixed-media, and internet artists as well as contemporary art gallery owners, museum project directors, curators, and culture policymakers in China during 2023. It investigates questions of: what is the role and position of the artist in an environment where AI is becoming more powerful and central in art creation and how artists creatively (mis)use AI? What does this change in work practices mean for the future of the artist's role? The findings can help to create with culture management and policymaking around AI globally and provide some solutions for the sustainability of the artists profession and the future of the sector by showing how Chinese artists are mastering AI and opening up new spaces for creativity and how the whole sector is behind this new 'digital way'.