Artificial Intelligence Applications in Art Stir Passionate Debate at Bridging Blocks Event
**Art's Role in Society and Politics: A Thoughtful Discussion at Bridging Blocks**
On July 15, 2025, the Tredyffrin Public Library in Chester County, Pennsylvania, played host to an engaging event titled "Can art save us?" This discussion was part of the Bridging Blocks civic dialogue series, a partnership between WHYY News and The Free Library of Philadelphia. The event brought together artists, playwrights, teachers, and community members to delve into the profound question of art's influence on society and politics.
Brisa Castro, the community convener for Bridging Blocks, skillfully moderated the event, which began with a TED Talk by Marcus Ellsworth titled "Art as activism." The video showcased art's potential to shape political engagement and public perception in innovative ways. Following the video, participants engaged in small group discussions about art’s role in reflecting and shaping culture, politics, and community life.
Key takeaways from the event included:
- Art as a vital form of self-expression and a means to push society toward progress. - The complexity of art's impact, whether it is accessible to all or serves primarily elite interests. - The connection between art and American cultural identity, prompting attendees to reconsider art's embeddedness in national values and politics. - The openness of attendees to diverse ideas and perspectives on art’s social function, indicating a communal readiness to embrace art’s multifaceted roles.
Notable attendees included Carol Clauss, a 78-year-old retired English teacher from Wayne, Pennsylvania, who expressed her love for all kinds of art. Clauss mentioned that the conversation at the event made her question the connection between American culture and art. Thomas Gibbons, a 70-year-old retired medical publisher and playwright from Devon, also attended his first Bridging Blocks event. Gibbons shared his approach to art and found it energizing and sometimes infuriating to hear other people's opinions about the purpose and value of art.
A debate was sparked over the topic of artificial intelligence in art during the event. Mary Johnston, a 74-year-old retired nurse from Norristown, expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on art, stating that it gave her a "stomachache" and that she was "disturbed" about the acceptance that other artists had for the technological advancement. Johnston provided examples of how AI could be harmful and expressed a desire to protect the arts and individuals making art.
Robby Wierman, a 65-year-old retired resident of Wayne, also attended the event and expressed interest in attending more Bridging Blocks events. The next Bridging Blocks event will be Sept. 4 at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library in Chester Springs, discussing how "green spaces" impact the community. Johnston felt the event was a "safe space" and was happy that people could openly disagree with each other "without being attacked for it."
Bridging Blocks, supported by a grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland, aims to foster civic dialogue and community engagement by using art as a lens to discuss important social and political issues. This event exemplified that mission by creating a forum for thoughtful debate on how art can be both a mirror and a catalyst for political and social change. The partnership is made possible thanks to the generous support of Fred and Barbara Sutherland.
- During the deliberations at the Bridging Blocks event, a debate arose concerning the role of artificial intelligence in art, with some expressing concerns about its potential impact.
- Mary Johnston, a retired nurse, voiced her concerns, stating that AI in art gave her a "stomachache" and that she was "disturbed" by the acceptance of this technological advancement by other artists.
