Latest news with #FineArts
News.com.au
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
UNSW under fire over ‘generative AI' art course offering
One of Australia's most prestigious universities has come under fire for offering a new subject which requires students to use generative AI to create art. The class, called DART2252 – Generative AI for Artists, is an elective available to those studying under the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture. It advertises coursework that focuses on producing creative works that 'employ generative AI', with students encouraged to 'explore, interrogate, and integrate current innovations in generative AI'. UNSW Fine Arts and Secondary Education student, Robin Chessell, said it was hard not to find the course insulting, 'especially as an art student'. 'AI can feel very threatening as companies pursue profits over genuine art and human connection. So it does feel a little bit like a betrayal,' the 22-year-old said. 'I've cared a lot about ethical issues with technology for a long time. 'I was very critical of the NFT phase that we went through in 2020, and then as AI has sort of come more into the mainstream, I've been seeing the issues, the negative impacts of it, come out more and more as well.' Ms Chessell said, the truth is, that where or not UNSW run this course, AI is going to make its way into the art landscape. However, she believes that running this course 'sends a message' to art students that hard work, art and behaving ethically towards other people and to the environment 'is not valued', 'And it would send a message that our intellectual property and our creations and ideas as artists are not valued,' the student added. Ms Chessell said the first she heard of the subject being run was via a group chat, and believes the university has not carried out enough consultation with students about the implementation of AI. 'I think from all of the people that I've talked to here on art campus as well as online, I haven't seen a single person that says, 'yes, we need this course',' she said. 'Everyone is pretty universally is against it. 'We were just very frustrated, even felt a sense of betrayal from the university, that they would run this subject and that's what sort of prompted me to do something about it.' A petition started by Ms Chessell has already garnered almost 500 signatures. It calls for the removal of the subject, citing concerns regarding the negative impacts of generative AI such as plagiarism, electricity and water use, climate impacts and ethics surrounding misusage. As well as the cancellation of the class, the petition demands UNSW to commit to not teach or require the use of generative AI in any other classes, now or in future – and when it is mentioned, the disadvantages are outlined by staff. Many signatories expressed their disappointment with the 'harmful' decision to mix AI and human creativity – something that has already resulted in lawsuits around the globe. 'The whole point of applying to, enrolling in, and paying for art school is so YOU can make the art,' one wrote. 'Generative AI in its current state only provides more issues than it does provide a helpful medium for artistic interpretation,' another said. 'It steals from others and uses resources that ultimately plummet us towards more climate change.' 'AI should never be a replacement for creativity,' a third commented. A fourth said: 'Wow, this is messed up.' 'Even if they'd (sic) eliminate this unit later, UNSW turned out to be … a uni that does not care about a sustainable future at all. 'Extremely disappointed and UNSW definitely does not deserve that high ranking in Australia and in the world.' A spokesperson for UNSW told the course was consistent with the university's guidelines on the ethical and 'thoughtful' integration of AI. They did not specify as to how they would minimise any negative impacts created by AI. 'DART2252 Generative AI for Artists is an elective course at UNSW Sydney that critically explores the creative and ethical questions raised by AI, rather than simply promoting or celebrating its use,' the spokesperson said. 'It provides students with the tools to understand and question the role of generative AI in the arts, and is part of a broader effort to ensure students are well-equipped to navigate an increasingly AI-integrated world.' The spokesperson said the course was originally introduced in 2021 under the name Emerging Media Technologies Studio, before being renamed Generative AI for Artists in 2024. It was first taught under its new name in 2025. 'The updated course was approved through UNSW's standard academic governance processes,' the spokesperson said. 'As with all UNSW operations, the course (with its enrolment of fewer than 20 students) aligns with the University's Environmental Sustainability Plan. 'UNSW is a certified carbon-neutral organisation, and the University remains committed to minimising its environmental footprint across all activities.'
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SF museum slashes 5% of staff following declining attendance
(KRON) – The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco plans to shutter a dozen roles, the museum announced on Friday. The museum's Director and CEO, Thomas P. Campbell, said the decision to cut the roles was difficult in a statement released on the museum's website. 'Our staff is the heart of our museums, they are the stewards of our mission. We understand the sensitivity of this situation for all affected, directly and indirectly, and are deeply grateful for the many contributions of our former team members during their time with us,' said Campbell. Oakland pub closes after 8 years of business The CEO said that axing these roles was due to a 'projected budgetary gap' and to ensure long-term financial stability. Museum attendance, according to Campbell, has declined nearly 20% since the COVID-19 pandemic. 'This decision was not made lightly, it follows months of scenario planning, rigorous financial analysis, and extensive deliberation by the Museums' executive leadership and trustees,' said Campbell. The 12 positions represent 5% of the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums staff and approximately 3.5% of the museum's overall workforce, per Campbell. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Bangkok Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thailand rejects Cambodia's Angkor Wat copy claim at Unesco meet
Thailand has strongly refuted Cambodia's claim that the design of Wat Phu Man Fah, a Buddhist temple in Buri Ram, is an unethical imitation of the famed Angkor Wat. A diplomatic row erupted during the fifth day of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held to review the conservation status of heritage sites across Asia-Pacific region Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, raised concerns during the session on Thursday. She claimed Thailand's Wat Phu Man Fah was a blatant and unethical copy of Angkor Wat, alleging that the temple undermines the site's Outstanding Universal Value and sets a dangerous precedent for other World Heritage Sites. She called on Unesco and its advisory bodies to formally investigate the matter. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, head of Thailand's delegation, firmly rejected the accusation. He expressed disappointment and surprise at the remarks made by the head of Cambodia's delegation. He asserted that the issue was inappropriately raised in the World Heritage forum dedicated to cultural preservation. He said the accusation was politically motivated. 'Thailand firmly believes that cultural heritage should foster mutual understanding and cooperation — not division," said Mr Sihasak. He insisted that Wat Phu Man Fah is a Buddhist temple that was inspired by traditional Thai Buddhist architectural styles drawn from many historic sites across Thailand, and was not a replica of Angkor Wat as alleged. He said Thailand is open to bilateral discussions with Cambodia on the matter, in line with the commitment of both countries' leaders to strengthen neighbourly relations. A joint working group has already been proposed by both governments to address this issue, he added. According to Thai officials, the Thai delegation acknowledged reports that Cambodia had attempted to lobby other member states and push the issue within Unesco and the World Heritage Committee, but failed to garner support. Most committee members viewed the matter as more appropriate for bilateral discussion than international debate.
Economic Times
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Economic Times
Mansi Jain: Meet the NIFT topper caught between two dream colleges, NIFT Delhi or IIT‑Bombay
Mansi Jain, the NIFT 2025 All India Rank 1 holder from East Delhi, finds herself at a major crossroads. While topping India's premier fashion entrance exam would seal the deal for many, Mansi is still weighing her options — thanks to another remarkable feat: securing AIR 10 in CEED 2025, which has opened the doors to a Master's in Design from IIT Bombay. Speaking to the Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate shared her preparation journey, academic background, and the unique position she now finds herself in. 'For many, fashion isn't the first career choice,' Mansi said. 'But for me, it was a natural progression. I come from a fine arts background and always knew I wanted to pursue design seriously.' She revealed that she dedicated 2–3 hours daily to sketching practice, used tools like ChatGPT for design aptitude, and focused heavily on creative problem-solving over current affairs. Despite her clear passion for fashion, Mansi remains undecided about which institution to pick. 'I will attend the NIFT counselling session first. Then i will see which branch i am getting then i will decide'. Mansi's strategy involved leveraging her strengths. 'I didn't spend too much time on GK. My focus was on developing my creative thinking through my blog and by observing other artists' work,' she said. When asked what kept her going through the intense preparation phase, she credited her art background. 'Studying fine arts meant I was constantly sketching. It never felt like an extra burden,' she message to future aspirants is simple but powerful: 'Stay confident and don't lose your potential. Your mindset matters as much as your preparation.'With 19 departments and highly sought-after campuses like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, NIFT presents an attractive proposition. But so does IIT Bombay, widely regarded as India's top design Mansi weighs her options, the design world watches closely to see where the country's top fashion mind will head next.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Mansi Jain: Meet the NIFT topper caught between two dream colleges, NIFT Delhi or IIT‑Bombay
Mansi Jain , the NIFT 2025 All India Rank 1 holder from East Delhi, finds herself at a major crossroads. While topping India's premier fashion entrance exam would seal the deal for many, Mansi is still weighing her options — thanks to another remarkable feat: securing AIR 10 in CEED 2025, which has opened the doors to a Master's in Design from IIT Bombay. Speaking to , the Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate shared her preparation journey, academic background, and the unique position she now finds herself in. 'For many, fashion isn't the first career choice,' Mansi said. 'But for me, it was a natural progression. I come from a fine arts background and always knew I wanted to pursue design seriously.' She revealed that she dedicated 2–3 hours daily to sketching practice, used tools like ChatGPT for design aptitude, and focused heavily on creative problem-solving over current affairs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo Despite her clear passion for fashion, Mansi remains undecided about which institution to pick. 'I will attend the NIFT counselling session first. Then i will see which branch i am getting then i will decide'. Mansi's strategy involved leveraging her strengths. 'I didn't spend too much time on GK. My focus was on developing my creative thinking through my blog and by observing other artists' work,' she said. Live Events When asked what kept her going through the intense preparation phase, she credited her art background. 'Studying fine arts meant I was constantly sketching. It never felt like an extra burden,' she said. Her message to future aspirants is simple but powerful: 'Stay confident and don't lose your potential. Your mindset matters as much as your preparation.' With 19 departments and highly sought-after campuses like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, NIFT presents an attractive proposition. But so does IIT Bombay, widely regarded as India's top design school. As Mansi weighs her options, the design world watches closely to see where the country's top fashion mind will head next.
