Don’t worry DALL·E: Artists vs. AI, 2023

The introduction of art created by artificial intelligence into the public eye is barely a few years old, and yet it has already sparked massive controversies over intellectual property, the impact on human artists, and the nature of art in the first place. New advancements and programs seem to be made every day, as AI engines are made ever more efficient and accessible to the public. Programs like DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion are producing art that wins contests, gets placed in exhibits, and mimics the styles of famous artists. As they represent actors from all the different spheres of this new and emerging field – from AI engineers to executives to internet artists – delegates will face issues like the monetization of AI art, the uncompensated scraping of images from the internet, and harmful/non-consensual deepfakes of real people, leading them to balance and decide the role that AI has to play in art – if it should have a role, at all.

Background Guide

Isaac Hirsch

Chair

Isaac is a third-year majoring in Physics and Molecular Engineering at the university. He was previously an Assistant Chair for the United Nations Security Council at ChoMUN XXVI, as well as the Carbonari committee at MUNUC 35. In his free time, he enjoys bike rides along Lake Michigan and keeping up with the latest Succession episodes. His friends know him as a Mac and Cheese connoisseur with a good sense of humor. He is originally from D.C. and hopes to return there after he graduates. He has been interested in AI for a little over a year after he learned how to create his own learning models. As someone who has had the artists vs AI conversation one too many times with his friends, Isaac is excited to see what solutions and ideas the delegates come up with.

If you have any questions or comments before committee, email Isaac at isaac.hirsch@uchicago.edu.

Noah Virani

Crisis Director

Noah is a third-year majoring in Physics and Computer Science. He was born in and lived a lot of his life in Texas, where he is NOT missing the weather there. Last year, Noah was an assistant chair for the United Nations Security Council at ChoMUN XXVI, and the Carbonari committee at MUNUC 35. Outside of MUN, believe it or not, Noah spends his time doing physics and playing Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, watching Succession and Barry, and skating around Hyde Park.

Email Noah at noahvirani@uchicago.edu if you want to talk Succession or Barry spoilers or if you have any questions about the committee.

Daniel Zhang

CRISIS DIRECTOR

Daniel is a second-year majoring in History and Public Policy (though he wishes he was brave enough to do Creative Writing, and will probably minor in that). He was born in Boston but has grown up for most of his life in Fort Myers, Florida, and is almost always desperately missing the Florida sun. Last year, Daniel was an Assistant Chair for the crisis committee Nothing Gets Pasta Mother: Emperor Menelik’s Cabinet, 1889 for ChoMUN XXVI. In addition, he was an Assistant Chair for the committee Friends and Advisors of Empress Matilda for MUNUC 35, and is also a newcomer to the MUN Team. Outside of MUN, Daniel enjoys listening to Kendrick Lamar, going on embarrassingly slow runs along Lake Michigan, exploring Chicago Cafes (The Wormhole in Wicker Park is great), and playing in UChicago’s Wind Ensemble.

Reach out to Daniel at danielz031@uchicago.edu if you want to rave about Kendrick’s discography, listen to his spiel about which fast food chains to boycott, or have any questions or concerns about committee.

Don’t Worry DALL·E: Artists vs. AI, 2023