On 28 June 2024, the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) hosted an inspiring thought leadership seminar at Ditsela Place, Hatfield. The seminar focused on Generative AI and the Future of Work in the Creative Industry. The seminar brought together a vibrant mix of industry leaders, academics, policymakers, and students to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the creative landscape.
The seminar underscored the incredible potential of technology, particularly in education, healthcare, and employment, emphasising the need to Unlock Human Potential with AI. Speakers highlighted the need for critical skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and curiosity—skills that are often neglected in traditional education systems.
The role of AI in education was also a significant point of discussion. As certain skills will be crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring that we can effectively navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. A takeaway was that the effective use of AI requires robust infrastructure and connectivity, which the government must spearhead.
The seminar concluded with a consensus on the transformative potential of AI in the creative industry. It culminated in the following action plan to be taken forward by IFOW and industry partners:
- Stakeholder Dialogue: Initiating discussions to contribute to South Africa’s AI policy and strategy from the creative sector’s perspective.
- Curriculum Review: Partnering with the Department of Basic Education to update AI learning tools and curricula.
- Skill Development: Launching short courses and masterclasses to equip creative professionals with essential AI skills.
- Lab Setup: Supporting unemployed youth by providing tools and incubation spaces to help commercialize their creative projects through the IFOW tech hub.
- AI Research and Innovation: Hosting hackathons to develop new AI-driven products tailored for South Africa and the broader African market.
The key takeaway of the seminar was the importance of leveraging our unique human creativity and skills. While AI can enhance efficiency and quality, it’s merely a tool and the onus is on us to use it ethically and responsibly to support human endeavours rather than replace them.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the speakers, panellists, and attendees who made the seminar a resounding success. Your insights and enthusiasm are driving the conversation on Gen AI and the future of work in the creative industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey towards a future where AI and human creativity thrive together!
