Digital – LARSEN

Raining on the parade of Generative AI in the arts

The Victorian Government released its updated cultural policy, Creative State 2028, at the end of last year. But I won’t be surprised if you missed it.

Have your say on the Productivity Commission report on copyright and AI

The Productivity Commission is looking for feedback on its interim report on harnessing data and digital technology.

The report includes recommendations for a text and data mining (TDM) exception to Australia’s Copyright Act, which would allow the AI industry to use writers and artists’ work without consent or compensation to train their Large Language Models (LLMs) – with potentially devastating effects for Australia’s creators and creative industries.

And another thing: illegal online board meetings

Thanks to the pandemic, we are all very familiar with board meetings that take place partly or entirely online. Doing so is a great way to make meetings more accessible or to expand your pool of potential board members.

But did you know that many organisations that hold online meetings are technically breaking the law?

Take on Board podcast on the ethics of AI

The AI train has left the station, but boards and organisations should take a breath before jumping on board.

It’s not just about a lack of tech know-how; it’s about staying true to your organisation’s purpose and values.

Banned. With. collaboration with Absent on Arrival

I will never get over what a gift and a joy it is to make work with artists you admire.

After months of over-excited online plotting, my friend and sound artist Gennaro Sallustio (aka Absent on Arrival) and I were thrilled to release our collaboration on Banned. With., one of the poems from my debut poetry collection, Public. Open. Space. (Fremantle Press, 2023).

AI and arts governance in ArtsHub

Generative AI promises much in arts, cultural and non-profit governance. But beware, there are pitfalls ahead…

And another thing: AI and governance

Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT or Meta’s Llama 3 may seem like they’re free to the end user, but they always, always come at a price.

After last month’s mega Meta rant, my latest ‘and another thing’ vlog is an attempt at a quick(er) overview of some of the challenges with Generative AI that are causing real, practical and ethical concerns for boards and organisations, as well as the people who work within them, and the communities they represent and serve.

And another thing: Meta’s Grand Theft AusLit

Like many others, we were dismayed to learn that mega-corporation Meta has stolen the work of thousands of Australian creators to train the Large Language Model for its flagship AI, Llama 3, without permission, license or compensation – including both editions of The Relationship is the Project.

Contextually fine

Just over a year ago, I was in holiday in Tasmania with my beloved and besties, and pretty bloody happy about it.

It was early September 2023 and I was hanging and chatting with one of my pals in an outdoor hot-tub another had coaxed into warmth with a smokey wood fire. I felt safe and peaceful and surrounded by love. There may have been wine.

We were talking about my poetry book, which had been out in the world a few months. My spa buddy asked, given my creative practice had taken place almost exclusively online for over a decade, how I had fared with the more dangerous sides of digital space – trolling, censorship or other forms of abuse.

Building your author brand

No matter where you are in your publishing journey, it’s more important than ever for writers to think about their profile, reach and brand.

However, building your author profile is a marathon, not a sprint. So, in the lead-up to next month’s Writers SA workshop, I’ve put together some top tips for getting started.