A microscope on AI at the Provocation Ideas Festival

PIF events will look at the good, the bad -- and the generated -- when it comes to technology and AI

One of the images of the 'When all dreams come true' art exhibit. This and many others will be shown at the University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business Nov. 13 to 18, as part of the 2023 Provocation Ideas Festival.Contributed photo

The Provocation Ideas Festival (PIF) is coming to Stratford next month.

Mark Rosenfeld, the festival’s founder and director, told StratfordToday that this year’s theme surrounds technology and, specifically, generative AI.

Conversations around AI tend to get polarizing very quickly, Rosenfeld acknowledged, especially given the kind of headlines that have become popular recently.

“We want to look at the various dimensions, both positive and negative, and somewhere in between,” he said. “The intention of the festival is to engage communities in issues they want to talk about – issues that are affecting communities, issues that they want to explore and also look to the future and what is possible to accomplish.

"We may disagree with some of the perspectives that are going to be expressed, but the intention is, even if you don't agree, (to) understand where people are coming from."

PIF is a public square of spirited discussion rooted locally, but with global topics. It was originally conceived of in Toronto circa 2020, but due to the pandemic the first one was pushed to 2022.

After Rosenfeld moved to Stratford, the Festival City was a prime spot for the festival’s first expansion – though he indicated that the ultimate goal is to have a national festival across Canada. The first PIF event in Stratford, a Jane’s Walk, was held last June.

As with every year, there is a long development and planning process. This year’s topic was picked because Rosenfeld sensed that the subject’s importance on a global scale will only get more important.

“AI is not new,” Rosenfeld explained. “But it has certainly expanded its reach. And so I thought it would be a fascinating thing to explore various dimensions of it using the arts.”

The intersection of art and AI is a key focus this year. Using various artistic media to frame the discussions, PIF will use interviews, readings, art installations, film, audio, performances, storytelling, and even a few cocktails.

Events take place from Nov. 4 to Nov. 18:

Hands-On AI Workshop
Dive into generative AI with Ryan Kelln at the Stratford Public Library. Explore the ethical aspects of AI in the arts.

When: Saturday, November 4
Where: Stratford Public Library
Details: Free event, registration required.

AI Art Exhibit
Witness a mesmerizing AI-generated art exhibit at the University of Waterloo Stratford School Atrium.

When: November 13-18
Where: University of Waterloo Stratford School Atrium
Details: Free event.

CBC IDEAS Discussion
Join tech visionaries and policy experts at the University of Waterloo Stratford School for insights into the future of technology.

When: Thursday, November 16
Where: University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business
Details: Free event, registration required.

Neural Ballet
Witness a unique dance and technology fusion by choreographer Irina Lerman and AI artist Ryan Kelln at Factory 163.