Challenging Bias from Within

Rather than discussing AI bias in the abstract, the programme showcases how artists and researchers like Joanne Armitage, Rebecca Fiebrink and Hanoi Hantrakul, actively challenge bias from within – through inclusive practices, open tools, and situated perspectives.

Marije Baalman (NL) adopts a human-first approach to interaction design, challenging machine-centred paradigms whereas Joanne Armitage (UK) highlights gender bias in algorithmic music and live coding. Armitage’s session – part-lecture and part-workshop – draws on her experience as a live coder and improviser, as well as her research on the dynamics of power between work with emerging technologies and physical bodies.

For more than 15 years, Rebecca Fiebrink (UK), has focused on inclusive and accessible machine learning tools in creative contexts. Fiebrink shares her knowledge in the talk ‘Design your dream music AI tool’,opening the door to everyone interested in working with music and AI.

The opening day includes an open forum and further performances such as ‘Lemongrass & Bass: A Thai Recipe for AI Music’ by Bangkok artist and researcher Lamtharn (Hanoi) Hantrakul (TH), known as ญาบอยฮานอย / yaboihanoi, who explores cultural bias in AI through his work with sound and language, and Berlin-based artist and producer Ville Haimala (FI), known as one half of music duo, performing arts troupe, experience design studio and production house Amnesia Scanner.

Another notable performer in the AI & Music Powered by S+T+ARTS programme is the acclaimed Catalan vocalist Maria Arnal who is presenting ‘Ama’. Arnal expands the definition of pop, influenced by her work with other disciplines and artforms. Following a years long commitment to incorporating AI into her musical practice, Arnal will reveal the result of this work in the live premiere of her new show ‘Ama’. Presented as part of AI & Music powered by S+TARTS, she’s joined by live shows from UK experimental producer and coder patten and Spanish duo R-010 & Venerandi (‘Phenomena’), each of whom take an innovative approach to integrating AI into their performances.

AI & Music Powered by S+T+ARTS has been curated by Antonia Folguera and Sónar by Day head booker Ikram Bouloum. Folguera works across the terrains of digital art and culture, communication and electronic music, and curates Sónar+D, Sónar’s multi-format ‘conference’ programme that explores the shared spaces between the creative industries, innovation and technology.