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Arts & Communication Digital AI transformation of the Chinese art industry

fun to me, because I can combine image, video, music, and primarily used for rendering and blending purposes, AI
then it’s like the whole performance. I really get used to is also used for idea generation, creative collaboration,
using digital technologies.” Wang Xin agreed, “I think AI research, and code debugging. Although AI-generated
can help to make me more creative and push artists to do esthetics can sometimes appear archetypal and bland,
much more beyond what AI can do, to create something artists maintain their individual styles by combining
more and in a creative way.” AI with digital software. Artists have developed a close
relationship with these tools, which enable them to
5. Discussion enhance their creativity, gain inspiration, and achieve
Systematic review findings indicate that policies promoting greater speed and accuracy. Findings also highlight the
the integration of digiAI into the contemporary art industry collaborative dynamics between artists and their digital
have been in place since 2016, with more recent directives partners, the new forms of creativity that emerge from
emerging in 2019 and 2021. These policies focus on the these interactions, and the empowerment artists feel owing
integration of technology in the contemporary art industry; to the efficiency facilitated by these technologies.
cultural development aligned with digital technologies; The findings further confirm the widespread adoption
and the promotion of cloud platforms, metaverse, and of digiAI in the practices of artists and arts professionals.
immersive exhibitions. In addition, initiatives such as There has been near-total integration of digiAI methods
“Digital China” support the digitization of industries into the processes and systems of art organizations, as well
and regulate AI to promote its use among individuals as into the creation processes of individual artists across
and organizations. This environment has enabled the various visual arts fields in China over the past 1.5 years.
complete national integration and subsequent adoption The survey results indicate that within this period, artists
and acceptance of digital software and AI in art creation have experimented with both digital and AI programs,
processes. Consequently, the adoption characteristics and recognizing that combining the two can enhance creativity
uses of digiAI observed in survey and interview responses and innovation. Artists also reported that digital software
align with the technological development directives and AI do not conflict with their roles or creativity; rather,
outlined in these policies. they feel that digiAI enhances their work by providing
Interview findings reveal widespread adoption and companionship, speed, accuracy, power, and stimulation.
acceptance of digiAI in creative processes across different This process of digital transformation, from the
types of artists (including sculptors, video artists, and national level to the individual level, is illustrated in the
painters) and age groups. While digital technologies are model presented in Table 3.

Table 3. Model of digital and AI transition in the contemporary art industry in China
Integration → Adoption → Acceptance → Adaptation
Government policy on the There is increased adoption and Professionals see its benefits. Digital technology is now used
development of digital technologies acceptance; moreover, there is a shift Professionals witness how these throughout creative practices, from
and AI, regulations to promote toward a “digital way” in creation technologies free up their time ideation to production.
ease of use by professionals and processes and a gradual waning and make their art more accurate AI is now not only performing
art organizations, policies on of “traditional” physical creation and powerful. noncreative tasks but also generating
integration of digital technologies methods. They are comfortable with the ideas; thus, it is creating culture.
in the contemporary art industry, There is enthusiasm for digiAI among whole creation process being Artists’ work is now about prompting,
and Digital China. professionals. digital, i.e., digital-born and learning how to best prompt and
The government’s priority Individuals have gained familiarity digital creation. collaborate with nonhuman agents.
to develop the industry for with digital technologies owing to They do not mind using AI Relationships with digiAI boost
economic benefit and also provide recent technological developments. for idea creation, employing creativity.
employment opportunities. First-hand testing of digiAI at technology for more than just Creativity comes from combining
An environment in which digiAI national, organizational, and noncreative tasks. software and AI, different mediums,
is promoted by the government at individual levels has revealed benefits. and different industries.
the national, industry, organization, The COVID-19 pandemic allowed Artists have become artist-prompters
and individual levels. time to test different technologies. or artist-inputters.
Individuals are used to digital Individuals are enthusiastic about
technologies and adapt with new developments and excited about
updates in technology, given the digital-born content.
history and nature of technological
development in society.

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/ac.3822