Closing Discussion: Are Authors an Endangered Species

In this closing discussion, author and Former Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney Jess Scully, and award-winning novelist, critic and literary judge James Bradley OAM sit down with Tracey Spicer to unpack who owns creativity, and how we define its value in the age of AI. Once defining characteristics of humanity, creativity and storytelling can now be produced by machines almost instantaneously – and seemingly for free. But at what cost? Are writers and artists becoming obsolete? Should we embrace or resist AI? And how can we harness our ‘civic imagination’, centering human agency and democracy to co-design ethical AI? Exploring both the past and future through his fiction, and sitting on AI-advisory bodies, James brings a unique lens to the impact of artificial intelligence and the value of creative labour.  As Executive Director of RadicalXChange Foundation, Jess is focused on building positive digital futures that strengthen creative culture and empower individuals and communities to chart the course for civic-led technology. Join us for an essential discussion on what the future may hold for artists, and how we can champion the agency of the human author, securing our creativity and democracy in the world ahead.

Age Suitability: All Ages. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.