What's Behind the Magic? Audiences Seek Artistic Value in Generative AI's Contributions to a Live Dance Performance

TL;DR

This study explores how audience perceptions of AI-generated art in live dance performances are influenced by awareness of AI involvement, highlighting the importance of social context in evaluating artistic value.

Contribution

It demonstrates that audience attributions of artistic merit are affected by their knowledge of AI use, emphasizing the role of social context in AI art evaluation.

Findings

Audiences attribute more artistic value to AI-generated works when unaware of AI involvement.

Perceptions vary based on whether audiences are informed about AI use before or after the performance.

The study highlights the significance of social context in shaping perceptions of AI in art.

Abstract

With the development of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools to create art, stakeholders cannot come to an agreement on the value of these works. In this study we uncovered the mixed opinions surrounding art made by AI. We developed two versions of a dance performance augmented by technology either with or without GenAI. For each version we informed audiences of the performance's development either before or after a survey on their perceptions of the performance. There were thirty-nine participants (13 males, 26 female) divided between the four performances. Results demonstrated that individuals were more inclined to attribute artistic merit to works made by GenAI when they were unaware of its use. We present this case study as a call to address the importance of utilizing the social context and the users' interpretations of GenAI in shaping a technical explanation, leading to a greater discussion that can bridge gaps in understanding.