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DR. MOIYA MCTIER JOINS HUMAN ARTISTRY CAMPAIGN
WASHINGTON, DC
(August 14, 2023)
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The Human Artistry Campaign, a multi-sector global alliance of over 150 organizations from 33 countries, today announced that Dr. Moiya McTier has joined the organization as an advisor and public communicator. In this role, Dr. McTier (or “Dr. Moiya” as many colleagues and peers refer to her) will support the Campaign’s work by explaining and advocating for their seven core principles urging the development of responsible AI that supports and enhances the creative process while protecting the indispensable role of human artistry and genius.
Dr. McTier is both a scientist (with a focus in astronomy and astrophysics) and a published author with deep expertise in folklore and storytelling. In her “Explainer-in-Chief” role advising the Human Artistry Campaign, she will help educate policymakers and fellow creatives about the promise and the risks of AI, and the ways effective AI systems depend upon a robust and lasting human creative economy.
“Science and the arts have always helped each other reach new heights – from Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical drawings to the Golden Record soaring through interstellar space on NASA’s Voyager today. And artificial intelligence will be no different – if we develop and use this trailblazing technology in responsible ways that support and extend human creativity and genius,” shares Dr. McTier.
“As an astrophysicist, I’ve used AI to optimize my research, and as a writer, I’ve used it to better visualize my stories, so I’m thrilled at the chance to work with over 150 creative arts organizations in the Human Artistry Campaign to help policymakers and the public better understand the promise and perils of generative AI.”
The Human Artistry Campaign’s core principles are available here, and individuals who support them can sign the petition here.
About Dr. Moiya McTier:
Dr. Moiya McTier has given hundreds of talks around the world on a wide range of topics, from the physics of water to global eclipse rituals. Her work sits at the intersection of science and storytelling, fact and fiction, complex concepts, and chaotic creativity. Her full bio and background are available here.
Dr. McTier officially became a doctor of the universe in 2021 as the first Black woman to graduate from Columbia’s astronomy PhD program. Overall, she has four Ivy League degrees including a joint degree in astrophysics and folklore from Harvard University. And she can also be found co-hosting Fate & Fabled, a mythology show for PBS Digital studios, as well as hosting her own podcasts Exolore (about fictional world-building through a science lens) and Pale Blue Pod (about astronomy for people who are afraid of the cosmos).
Dr. McTier’s debut book THE MILKY WAY: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy was named one of Publishers Weekly’s best books of 2022.
Dr. McTier’s mission is to help people understand the world around us better through science and is eager to do that across as many platforms as possible.
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About the Human Artistry Campaign:
The Human Artistry Campaign was launched at SXSW 2023 for open dialogue and guidance from the united creative community in the AI debate. The growing alliance supports seven core principles for keeping human creativity at the center of technological innovation. For the full international membership list or to sign the petition for individual support, please visit humanartistrycampaign.com.
HUMAN ARTISTRY CAMPAIGN STATEMENT ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AI ANNOUNCEMENT
WASHINGTON, DC
(July 24, 2023)
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Voluntary trust-and-safety measures are an important first step towards building a policy architecture for AI systems and practices that protect artists' and creators' rights. We look forward to continuing to work together with the Administration and Congress to address vital IP issues and developers' role in assuring a responsible, ethical, and creator-focused AI.
HOUSE COMMITTEE EXPLORES INTERSECTION OF AI & COPYRIGHT
Acclaimed Songwriter Dan Navarro Explains the Risks for Creatives and Our Culture: “ By marginalizing and, ultimately, abandoning the fundamental human spark in music creation, we are inviting a future that sees fakes as real and that debases our art and culture with soulless 'brown food product' mediocrity.”
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Committee Accepts RIAA's Mitch Glazier and NMPA's David Israelite Op-Ed on Human Artistry Campaign Principles into the Hearing Record
WASHINGTON, DC
(May 17, 2023)
Today, the House Judiciary IP Subcommittee Hearing explored the limits and requirements limits and requirements copyright and other laws impose on generative AI systems.
Subcommittee Ranking Member Hank Johnson (D-GA) summed up the core issue: “I am hard pressed to understand how a system that rests almost entirely on the works of others – and can be commercialized or used to develop commercial products – owes nothing, not even notice, to the owners of the works it uses to power its system.”
Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) played a clip of the widely-criticized “Fake Drake” AI impersonation and observed: “In just a few short days that song garnered over half a million streams on Spotify before it was ultimately taken down. I will also admit I am profoundly blown away by the artistic value sitting at this table but then also concerned about what's going to happen to the creativity if we don't get ahold of this artificial intelligence issue and protect the creativity of human development.”
The Human Artistry Campaign released the following statement: “The more Congress learns about AI, the more Members appreciate the moral and legal imperative to respect creators' right to control how their work is used and for strong public policy to ensure professional performers' voices and likenesses aren't cloned and impersonated for commercial gain. We are grateful to all the members of the House Judiciary Committee for digging so deeply and seriously into these vital questions.”
At the hearing, artist, songwriter, and voice performer Dan Navarro testified about the challenges of generative AI. Navarro recounted the “human alchemy” at the heart of songwriting and recounted his experience writing the iconic song “We Belong,” recorded by Pat Benatar: “I started with the end of the song and soon we were trading lyrics back and forth that worked for one of us or the other, two estranged friends found a space to connect, and a song that people have enjoyed for the last 40 years was born in 90 minutes. That human alchemy can't be fully explained – but it's the heart of music creation.”
Navarro's full testimony is available here.
At the outset of the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Darrell Issa introduced into the official record an op-ed just published by RIAA's Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier and NMPA's President and CEO David Israelite. In that piece, Glazier and Israelite carefully review the challenges posed by AI to songwriters, recording artists, and all performers: “Songwriters, recording artists, and musicians today are literally being forced to compete against AI programs trained on copies of their own compositions and recordings. . . . Use of copyrighted works to train or develop AI must be subject to free-market licensing and authorization from all rights holders. Creators and copyright owners must retain exclusive control over the ways their work is used. The moral invasion of AI engines that steal the core of a professional performer's identity — the product of a lifetime's hard work and dedication — without permission or pay cannot be tolerated.”
Glazier and Israelite's op-ed is available here.
NEW RESEARCH SHOWS DEEP CONCERN OVER AI & MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR HUMAN ARTISTRY CAMPAIGN PRINCIPLES
Nearly 2-1 Ratio Feels Creators Should be Compensated for Work Used to Train AI
WASHINGTON, DC
(May 11, 2023)
A new study out today from Global Strategy Group (GSG) reveals respondents believe content creators should be compensated for the use of their material by AI by an almost 2 to 1 margin. Additionally, only 12% of voters say they would trust companies that rely mostly on AI more than companies that rely mostly on people. This authoritative independent research validates the core principles behind the Human Artistry Campaign, an initiative with worldwide support for responsible and transparent technology that keeps human creativity at the center of innovation.
“As AI rapidly evolves and new tools are launched to the public with limited testing or review, we are encouraged that even in the earliest days of this debate people recognize that human creators should be compensated when their irreplaceable expression and accomplishment are copied and used by these platforms. Human artistry will always be essential in shaping the culture and charting our history. We applaud GSG's insightful research as a vital contribution to this fast-moving debate and are proud to stand as a united creative community supporting responsible and lawful collaboration and innovation,” says a coalition spokesperson.
Read the complete Artificial Intelligence: Perceptions, Priorities, and Expectations findings from GSG here.
HUMAN ARTISTRY CAMPAIGN
ADDS 25+ NEW MEMBERS
Coalition Cements itself as the Preeminent Creative
Community Voice in Fast-Moving AI Debate,
Broad Cross-Section of Diverse Global Voices Grows Beyond Existing Roster of Artists, Performers, Writers, Athletes, and More
WASHINGTON, DC
(April 6, 2023)
After a widely-acclaimed launch at South by Southwest® (SXSW®), the Human Artistry Campaign has grown nearly 50% to 70+ worldwide members in just its first two weeks. Collective support among the newest members spans across journalism, photography, and voice actors as well as major global organizations representing songwriters, composers, publishers, and independent music. With this rapid growth, the coalition is even further poised to speak authoritatively on how AI can develop in ways that strengthen the creative ecosystem while continuing to recognize the unique and irreplaceable role of human artistry in culture and the arts.
A coalition spokesperson said, “Almost daily since we launched, new groups have reached out to join the cause. It's a testament to the unifying power of the Human Artistry Campaign's seven core principles and the broader creative community's intense focus on this issue.”
While creators in the past have waited out emerging technologies hoping they would be used in responsible ways, the Human Artistry Campaign is moving aggressively to join the AI debate at the front end. “Creators aren't waiting to be invited to the table this time,” the coalition explained. “We are claiming our seat and speaking up now, while there is time to work together with tech to ensure AI is trained and deployed in ways that follow all relevant laws and respect creators' and performers' rights.”
The Human Artistry Campaign's seven core principles are available here and individuals who support them can sign the coalition's petition here.
HUMAN ARTISTRY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES, ANNOUNCES AI PRINCIPLES
40+ groups representing artists, performers, writers, athletes & more launch campaign for AI that supports human creativity and accomplishment
WASHINGTON, DC / AUSTIN, TX
(March 16, 2023)
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A broad coalition announced the launch of the Human Artistry Campaign to ensure artificial intelligence technologies are developed and used in ways that support human culture and artistry – and not ways that replace or erode it. With over 40 members including major unions, trade associations, and policy experts representing individual creators and rightsholders from across the entire tapestry of creative endeavor, the Human Artistry Campaign is positioned to be a leading voice in the rapidly unfolding debate over the costs and benefits of different forms of AI.
The group outlined principles advocating AI best practices, emphasizing respect for artists, their work, and their personas; transparency; and adherence to existing law including copyright and intellectual property.
The campaign urges supporters to sign a petition to advance these fundamental principles.
The launch was announced at SXSW in Austin today at an event featuring voice actor and prolific songwriter Dan Navarro, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Jessy Wilson and UT Austin professor and immersive technology expert Erin Reilly – and moderated by Rob Levine, Billboard’s Deputy Editorial Director.
MEMBER COMMENTARY
“Artists shape our culture and help build a richer, more meaningful world. We simply cannot hand over that great responsibility to computers. AI is a wonderful tool, but it needs to complement human creativity, not replace it. We will not sit on the sidelines while Big Tech once again defines the rules for a new creative frontier.”
– A2IM President and CEO Richard Burgess
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“Black songwriters, producers, and artists already face an uphill battle for ownership, credit, and proper payment in the music industry. Although AI can be an incredible tool, without the protection of real human artistry AI could devastate the Black creative community that leads so much of popular culture.”
– Black Music Action Coalition Co-founder and Co-Chair
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers
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“Artists and all creators are determined to lead on this issue and make sure we have a thoughtful, serious debate about both the risks and the benefits of AI. And the time for that debate is now.”
– Susan Genco, Board Member Music Artists Coalition
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“Incredible music originates from individuals. As we face growing AI capabilities, we as an industry are united around the fact that human artistry must be protected by strong copyright law and policy and that AI tools are developed in ways that do not undermine the value of songwriters’ work.”
– NMPA President & CEO David Israelite
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“There is so much potential with AI. But it also presents risks to our creative community. It’s crucial that we get this right early on so we don’t risk losing the artistic magic that only humans can create.”
– Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.
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“Human artistry is irreplicable. Recent developments in AI are remarkable, but we have seen the costs before of rushing heedlessly forward without real thought or respect for law and rights. Our principles are designed to chart a healthy path for AI innovation that enhances and rewards human artistry, creativity, and performance.”
– RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier
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“It comes down to respect for creative workers and their craft. We have long fought for protections against misappropriation of our members' voices, likenesses and performances, and we are excited to continue that vital work in conjunction with our coalition partners. As technology continues to improve storytelling, we want to ensure humans are always at the center of the story.”
– SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
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“Artificial intelligence is a powerful, still-emerging technology that presents unique challenges as it matures in the creative arts space. We embrace the responsible use of AI, but recent advancements in AI have underscored the need to develop consensus on responsible use and to address important intellectual property concerns. Our culture and our technology must respect the foundational role that all creators play in AI’s ultimate output.”
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– SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe
FOX 5 NEW YORK
Artificial intelligence and the music industry: Harmonious or harmful?
by Dan Bowens
THE ATLANTIC
The Problem With Counterfeit People
by Daniel C. Dennett
POP NEWS
L’algoritmo che canta
by Sky 512 (Italy)
THE WASHINGTON POST
AI-generated Drake song is an insult to the artistry of hip-hop
by Shamira Ibrahim
UK MUSIC
UK Music Signs Up To Human Artistry Campaign On World IP Day
by UK Music
THE ROOT
AI-Generated Music Is Creating Black Art Without Black Input
by Noah A. McGee
THE WASHINGTON POST
Opinion: To protect human artistry from AI, new safeguards might be essential
by T Bone Burnett & Jonathan Taplin
MUSIC BUSINESS WORLDWIDE
Something New: Artificial Intelligence and the Perils of Plunder
by Michael Nash
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Making Deepfakes Gets Cheaper and Easier Thanks to A.I.
by Stuart A. Thompson
THE ILLUSION OF MORE
Art is Human
by David Newhoff