Exploring AI’s Influence on Creative Sectors, Artistic Resistance Against Fascism, and More Insights from SXSW 2025
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend my first SXSW in Austin, Texas. While I was excited about the city’s renowned breakfast tacos, I had little idea of what to expect from the conference, which lasted for eight days. Hundreds of panels took place throughout Downtown Austin, drawing brilliant minds from around the globe. The aim was to share ideas and insights about our society’s future in 2025.
Harnessing Art for Change
The backdrop of Texas, particularly amid its current political climate, added a layer of significance to the event. One panel that stood out to me was titled “Fighting Loneliness in Our Digital World.” Trans activist and poet Alok Vaid-Menon made a compelling call to action. They highlighted the urgency of advocating for trans rights, emphasizing that, “These are not hypothetical moments where we can draw inspiration from one another. I need your help and my community needs your help.” The importance of solidarity was palpable, especially in a state where legal challenges to gender identity were rampant.
Another impactful event was called “Unruly Bodies,” held at the vibrant queer venue Cheer Up Charlies. This gathering was hosted by SisterSong, a collective focused on reproductive justice for women of color, in collaboration with Repro Uncensored Coalition. Featuring a panel of inspiring female activists, the event sought to combine resistance and joy with a dance party celebrating power and pleasure.
Throughout the conference, several panels explored how creativity can counteract authoritarianism. A roundtable, Art in Protest: Fostering Democracy Through Creative Dissent, included voices from around the world. Artists such as Vietnamese singer Mai Khoi and Belarus Free Theatre co-founder Natalia Kaliada shared their experiences. They discussed how they used their art as a form of rebellion against oppressive regimes, showcasing the power of creativity as a weapon in the struggle for freedom.
Another noteworthy session, Fighting Propaganda With Human Creativity In The Digital Age, examined initiatives by Reporters Without Borders. The panel featured Anja Osterhaus and filmmakers Gabriel Mattar and Giordano Maestrelli. They discussed a campaign called “The First Speech,” which highlighted the misleading rhetoric of autocrats like Vladimir Putin. Their work reminds us that the erosion of freedom often starts subtly and escalates into overt oppression.
AI’s Role in Creative Fields
Another significant theme at SXSW 2025 was the growing influence of artificial intelligence on various sectors. While I have reservations about AI, I acknowledge its inevitability in our future. Engaging with AI responsibly, especially in creative industries, seems essential. I attended a panel titled Can Human & AI Collaboration Extend the Bounds of Creativity? where Reuters’ Dawn Chmielewski interviewed Sony AI Inc.’s President Michael Spranger. They explored how to maintain the essence of human creativity as technology advances.
Spranger emphasized the need for guidelines on AI’s use in creative domains, highlighting that stripping away the human element could lead to dull outcomes. He also raised concerns about copyright issues in an AI-driven landscape, explaining how original ideas and AI outputs require significant human input to be copyrightable.
Another discussion focused on how museums are utilizing AI. In a panel titled What’s Next for Museums? Embracing AI and Human Engagement, experts from Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and design agency Fabrique shared insights into real-world applications of AI. Initiatives such as restoring Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch showcase the potential of AI to enhance cultural experiences.
The SXSW experience is akin to a choose-your-own-adventure journey, rich with stimulating discussions and opportunities for connection. Despite the challenges faced by Texas and many other regions, the conference instilled a sense of hope and excitement about the future of art, creativity, and social change.
