Report on the Possibilities and Challenges Discovered from the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Cultural and Artistic Activities by People with Disabilities

From a two-year project at the community art center "Tanpopo-No-Ye Art Center HANA" in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

We report on the possibilities and challenges identified through a project that tried to promote the well-being of people with disabilities by activating artistic activities with artificial intelligence technology. At the community art center in Nara, people with physical or intellectual disabilities are engaged in various artistic activities and work as artists in collaboration with art supporters. A common challenge for these artists as their physical and mental conditions deteriorate due to the severity of their disabilities and aging is to continue creative activities and take on new challenges. Through trial activities using AI image generators, we found that AI could be another that facilitates communication between humans in artistic activities by cuddling up to there.