AI’s Impact on Creative Industries, Fighting Fascism with Art, and More From SXSW 2025 – PRINT Magazine
A month ago, I had the pleasure of venturing to Austin, TX, to attend my first-ever SXSW. I knew the city’s breakfast tacos would be stellar, but otherwise, I hadn’t much of a clue what to expect from the eight-day-long conference. With hundreds of panels held in Downtown Austin, brilliant minds from all over the world gathered to share, inspire, illuminate, and connect about the state of our society in 2025.
Fighting Fascism Through Art
From the jump, I found the fact that the conference was taking place in Texas (albeit within a liberal hub) at a time of such political upheaval in the US impossible to ignore. One standout panel called "Fighting Loneliness in Our Digital World" featured trans activist, poet, and comedian Alok Vaid-Menon, who issued an urgent call to action:
“The state of Texas is pursuing discrimination against trans and gender-nonconforming people like me. And so if you were inspired by what I’m saying, if you thought I was funny or charming, know that this might be illegal for me to exist in public with you now. These are not hypothetical moments; I need your help, and my community needs your help to champion trans rights everywhere that you go… Trans people are not your enemy.”
This powerful message resonated deeply throughout the conference, underscoring the importance of creativity and activism in today’s polarized landscape.
Later, I attended "Unruly Bodies" at the famed queer bar and music venue Cheer Up Charlie’s. Hosted by SisterSong, a women of color reproductive justice collective, the event featured a panel of WOC activists and artists, concluding with a dance party—a manifestation of joy intertwined with activism.
Panels addressing creativity as a form of resistance included "Art in Protest: Fostering Democracy Through Creative Dissent." The discussion, moderated by Nikola Ilić of ChangeLab Global, brought together artists from three countries—Vietnam, Belarus, and Iran—who have used their work as tools of rebellion against restrictive governments. “Today, we’re going to talk about how a microphone, a stage, and a paintbrush can be powerful tools against authoritarians,” Ilić stated, setting the stage for an inspiring dialogue.
Another standout panel, "Fighting Propaganda With Human Creativity In The Digital Age," showcased the impactful work of Reporters Without Borders. Featuring Anja Osterhaus, executive director of its German branch, along with filmmakers Gabriel Mattar and Giordano Maestrelli, the discussion centered on their powerful campaign “The First Speech,” which highlights the deceptive narratives of various autocrats.
AI’s Impact on Creative Industries
Amidst these discussions of creativity as resistance, another undeniable theme rippling through SXSW 2025 was the impact of AI on everything. As a freelance writer, I’ve often been skeptical of AI and its potential ramifications. However, I recognize that denying or shunning it doesn’t offer a constructive path forward. Instead, I think critically about ethical and responsible uses of AI in the arts is more fruitful.
I attended a panel titled "Can Human & AI Collaboration Extend the Bounds of Creativity," where Dawn Chmielewski from Reuters interviewed Michael Spranger, President of Sony AI Inc. He spoke candidly about the importance of preserving human creativity in the face of advancing AI technology.
“There are visual people and people in audio who typically come together to create these creative artifacts that we have, and I think that process matters,” Spranger emphasized. “If you take away that process, you’re going to end up with uninteresting outcomes.” He also touched upon issues of copyright, stressing the need for guidance on AI-generated content.
In the same line of inquiry, I attended "What’s Next for Museums? Embracing AI and Human Engagement," where leaders from major museums discussed how AI is being harnessed to enhance visitor experiences. Nanet Beumer of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum shared insights about using AI to restore Rembrandt’s most famous painting, The Night Watch. Meanwhile, Leonard Punt presented the National Gallery London’s innovative virtual gallery, the Imaginarium.
As I reflect on my experience at SXSW 2025, it becomes clear that the conference was not just a collection of panels and presentations but a vital tapestry of activism, creativity, and technological exploration. Despite the growing unrest and uncertainty in Texas and beyond, the energy of SXSW instilled a sense of hope and inspiration. The conversations around creativity and the arts demonstrated their enduring power to challenge oppressive narratives and foster vibrant, equitable communities.
For more insights and coverage from SXSW, visit the official SXSW website.
[Modern Footnote: This article is based on personal experiences and insights gained during SXSW 2025.]
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