UEW Concludes 2025 Creative Arts and Culture Conference, Explores AI's Role in Creativity
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has successfully wrapped up the 2025 Creative Arts and Culture Conference, centered on the theme, “Re-imagining Creative Arts and Culture in a Changing World.”
The three-day event brought together renowned scholars, artists, and researchers to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with the creative arts.
AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Threat
Delivering the closing keynote address, Prof. Osuanyi Quarcoo Essel, Director of UEW’s Centre for Research in Culture and Creative Arts (CeRRCA), emphasized the need to view AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor in the creative space. Acknowledging both the benefits and challenges of AI, he stressed that adapting to technological advancements is crucial.
"AI is here to stay. Resistance is not the answer—we must harness it to enhance our work," he stated.
Prof. Essel outlined AI’s potential in art education, research dissemination, and cultural preservation, highlighting its ability to:
✅ Enhance creative expression,
✅ Automate labor-intensive tasks like transcription and translation, and
✅ Personalize learning experiences.
However, he also warned of ethical concerns, including data bias, job displacement, and cultural misrepresentation. He encouraged leveraging AI to digitize cultural heritage, develop virtual museums, and create AI-enhanced African artistic narratives. He further urged UEW’s School of Creative Arts to integrate AI-driven tools for research visibility and academic collaboration.
Equipping Artists and Scholars with AI Skills
Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, Dean of the School of Creative Arts (SCA), applauded participants for their active engagement in discussions on AI’s role in creative arts. He revealed that the conference attracted over 70 abstract submissions, reflecting a growing interest in the intersection of technology and art.
To build on this momentum, Prof. Acquah announced plans for structured AI training workshops for faculty and students.
"We will hold an emergency meeting with department heads to organize training sessions for staff and graduate students. Our goal is to equip our academic community with AI skills for research and artistic innovation," he stated.
He also encouraged creative artists to actively produce and showcase their works, emphasizing the importance of documentation and legacy.
"We remember great artists because of their works. Let us create, document, and share our artistic contributions with the world," he urged.
A Commitment to Innovation and Ethical AI Use
The conference concluded with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Participants left with a clear mandate to integrate AI into their academic and artistic endeavors while maintaining ethical and cultural integrity.
As UEW continues to lead in creative arts education, the 2025 conference has set a solid foundation for ongoing discussions on AI’s evolving role in sh
