Artificial Intelligence, creative industries, Laws & Legal
Yao Pei
Art vs. Algorithm: Copyright and Visual Artists ...

This article examines how generative AI is reshaping copyright law and challenging traditional notions of authorship in the visual arts. By outlining key legal principles, including originality, fair use, and human authorship, it explores the growing tension between technological innovation and artists’ rights and highlights the urgent need for clearer legal frameworks in the age of AI.

Art vs. Algorithm: Copyright and Visual Artists in the Age of Generative AI
Film, entertainment, Marketing
Staff Researcher
The Future of Independent Adult Animation: ...

This study provides a foundational analysis of how independent adult animation is emerging as a significant opportunity within the contemporary film industry, with a particular focus on market trends, audience engagement, and the strategic role of distributors. As global demand for animated storytelling continues to grow - driven by streaming platforms, evolving audience tastes, and international co-production networks - independent distributors face increasing pressure to identify sustainable models for developing and distributing animated films. Part I examines the evolution of the independent animation landscape and situates the project’s client, NEON’s, recent exploration of the sector within broader industry trends. Drawing on existing research, industry reports, audience surveys, and expert interviews, this section frames the study’s central research questions and methodology. By outlining the challenges and opportunities surrounding independent adult animation, Part I establishes the conceptual groundwork for the industry interviews, survey analysis, and strategic recommendations that will be presented in Part II.

The Future of Independent Adult Animation: Opportunities and Strategies, Part I
Arts & Technology, creative industries, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Futures
Hales Wilson
Byte-Sized Culture: Black American Artists ...

This month's Byte-Sized Culture is a Black History highlight spotlighting five Black American artists — Martine Syms, Stephanie Dinkins, Rashaad Newsome, Sondra Perry, and Shaylin Wallace — who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary art through technology. Each artist uses a distinct set of digital tools, from AI systems and algorithmic video to 3D modeling, NFTs, and humanoid robotics, to examine how race, identity, and power are reflected and distorted within those technologies.

Byte-Sized Culture: Black American Artists Making Waves in Technology
entertainment, Research, Strategy, Gamification
Staff Researcher
How Games as a Service (GaaS) and Transmedia ...

In Part II, this part of the study moves from industry context to empirical analysis, translating strategic questions into evidence-based insights drawn from primary research. While Part I established the historical and market foundations of Games as a Service (GaaS) and transmedia adaptation and framed the challenges of player retention, monetization, and franchise longevity, Part II examines how these dynamics operate in practice. Using findings from a 1,159-response U.S. consumer survey, nine industry interviews with developers, influencers, and experiential professionals, as well as supporting secondary research, this section analyzes player behavior perceptions and expectations. Part II identifies the mechanisms that drive sustained engagement and trust in live service ecosystems, evaluates the effectiveness of current GaaS and transmedia strategies, and surfaces actionable insights that inform the strategic recommendations presented in the final chapter.

How Games as a Service (GaaS) and Transmedia Strategies Sustain Video Game Franchises, Part II
entertainment, Research, Strategy, Gamification
Staff Researcher
How Games as a Service (GaaS) and Transmedia ...

This study provides a foundational analysis of how live-service game models and transmedia strategies are reshaping the contemporary video game industry, with a particular focus on Games as a Service (GaaS), player engagement, and franchise longevity. As gaming continues to outpace film and television as the world’s most lucrative entertainment sector, publishers face growing pressure to sustain player communities, balance monetization with satisfaction, and extend intellectual property beyond the game itself. Part 1 examines the historical evolution of GaaS and game adaptations, situating SEGA’s legacy within today’s competitive landscape. Drawing on existing literature, industry reports, and market context, this section frames the central research questions and methodological approach that guide the study. By establishing the strategic challenges and opportunities facing live-service games and transmedia franchises, Part 1 lays the conceptual groundwork for the data-driven analysis and recommendations presented in Part 2.

How Games as a Service (GaaS) and Transmedia Strategies Sustain Video Game Franchises, Part I

creators project

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AI-Powered Robots in the Art World: Applications in Contemporary Art and Museums

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AI-Powered Robots in the Art World: Applications in Contemporary Art and Museums

From algorithmic computation to human-machine collaboration, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping how society produces knowledge and imagines the future. AI-powered robots are now appearing not only in factories but also in art studios, galleries, and museums, signaling a crucial cultural shift, transforming technology from a tool of production to an active participant in artistic creation and curatorial practice.

This article explores the dual applications of AI-powered robots in contemporary art and museum settings, analyzing how they function as creative agents and cultural ambassadors in diverse global contexts. It argues that these intelligent systems challenge traditional concepts of creativity while redefining how cultural institutions think about the relationship between humans and machines in the new era.

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Festivals Galore!

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As the month of March rolls on, and the weather starts to warm up, two things immediately come to mind: vacation, and festivals. The gang here at Tech in the Arts is on spring break this week, so expect a lighter posting schedule as we take a (well deserved!) break from our studies. Having said that, I wanted to briefly check in and point out two festivals happening this week that are highlighting some of the best and most creative technology and arts projects occurring from across the country.

The first, South by Southwest, or SXSW for short, is currently underway down in Austin, Texas, as anyone with a Twitter account is well aware of by now. Having grown massively in size over the years, the show is divided between three festivals: film, music, and interactive. The interactive portion, including keynotes, speakers, presentations, shows, parties, events and so much more (it really is a sight to behold) is taking place this weekend and ends tomorrow, the 13th.

Tech in the Arts is live down in Austin covering the action; you can follow our Twitter feed (@techinthearts) for live updates and recaps of SXSW events, including the big bash that Carnegie Mellon held this weekend, along with one of our staffers, Terry Boyd, who is tweeting from his personal account (@boydleservice). We all wish we could be there this weekend, but those two accounts are representing us well!

We’ll also have a wrap-up of all the great action at SXSW following the conclusion of the festival, so stay tuned for that.

I’m typing this from beautiful San Francisco, California, and the second festival I wanted to mention is the 3rd Annual Creators Project, taking place this upcoming weekend (March 17th-18th) here in the Bay Area. Sponsored by Intel and VICE, the festival seeks to bring together the best of art, music and is “dedicated to supporting artists in realizing their creative visions through technology.” In addition to the works of art on display, there will be performances by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, James Murphy, and Squarepusher.

The best part of the festival? It’s free with an RSVP! So if you’re in the Bay Area this weekend, definitely check it out.

Even if you can’t make it to either Austin or San Francisco this week, stay tuned as we’ll be posting follow ups to both exciting festivals and highlighting the best art and technology trends coming from both.