Technological innovation and the future of creative education

Over the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies have transformed every sector of the global economy. Proficiencies in these areas aren’t just a bonus for a job applicant – they are increasingly essential to success. Between 2021 and 2024, job listings referencing generative AI skyrocketed by 15,625%, illustrating the rapid shift in industry demands.

And the creative industries are no exception to the unprecedented shift in the types of skills required. Universities therefore have a vital role in ensuring students are equipped with these new skills that industries are demanding, to allow them to succeed in the job market of today and beyond.

The pandemic’s legacy

The pandemic disrupted traditional ways of thinking and forced the higher education sector to rethink how technology could be leveraged to enhance student learning and prepare them for the world of work. For many institutions, this meant fast-tracking the integration of technologies that had originally been planned for rollout over several years, sometimes within a matter of weeks.

Despite the negatives the pandemic brought, and pandemic era students most certainly were not able to get the full university experience they deserved, there was a longer-term benefit. Digital innovation flourished in creative subjects, where physical interaction and hands-on experience are typically seen as essential. Students are now exposed to significantly higher amounts of technology from the very first day of their courses.

Initially, many universities attempted to replicate studio environments through video conferencing, but these efforts often fell short. Students struggled to engage in the collaborative energy of a physical studio. In response, institutions developed alternative digital spaces that prioritised interaction and creativity while embedding student mental well-being at their core.

Recognising modern students learn in varied ways across different environments, Ravensbourne expanded access to teaching materials and industry-led activities like our industry engagement series Rave Lates and, most recently, our new Ravensbourne on Record podcast series. Additionally, the Kick Start platform introduced skill development courses featuring industry leaders and bite-sized social media content, shaping an education model that remains relevant beyond the pandemic.

Growing role of AI in the creative workplace

Moving into the post-pandemic era, one of the most profound developments that has accelerated is popular engagement with AI. Through applications such as project management, text-based prompts and generated imagery, staff and students quickly endorsed AI to enhance their learning on a hitherto unprecedented scale.

AI is revolutionising the creative industries. For instance, YouTube uses generative AI to help artists create tracks that mimic human vocals. In visual arts, AI generates images in the style of renowned creators. This sparks crucial questions about intellectual property, as AI often relies on copyrighted datasets. Universities must equip students with the skills to use these tools responsibly, while understanding the legal and ethical challenges they bring.

Indeed, there are legitimate concerns regarding the proliferation of AI within the arts and creative industries. The legal status under copyright legislation is still a hotly contested topic, while there are already tensions regarding how creators can combat the unauthorised use of their works in datasets scraped by generative AI platforms.

However, AI-human collaboration offers vast creative potential, and can become a powerful aid in developing the stories the creative industry so effectively can tell.  We’re already seeing this in action – example projects like ABBA Voyage, digital catwalks, augmented exhibitions and AI generated adverts demonstrate how CreaTech is already shaping the creative landscape. To keep pace, universities must align with industry trends and prepare students for future advancements.

AI-driven design tools streamline workflows, making it essential to equip students with the expertise to manage these increasingly in-demand technologies. Serving both as a learning aid and a bridge to industry, these resources help students develop the hybrid skill sets that are now highly valued by employers.

Preparing for industry needs

For many years, graduates have needed to be equipped with a diverse skill set which merges traditional craft with technological fluency. What is new is the pace at which those working in the creative sectors are required to continually upskill to make creative outputs meet market needs. 

Universities will play a key role in developing graduates with the mindset for lifelong upskilling and in satisfying the demand for more flexible and accessible technology-informed courses.

Employers increasingly value graduates who are adept in digital workflows, hybrid work, and evolving tools with a clear understanding of the convergence of activities. The curriculum for arts-based courses therefore needs to evolve and be continually recalibrated alongside both technological advancements and industry needs.

Looking ahead

As the higher education sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the pandemic remain crucial. The digital transformation of art and design education is not merely a temporary response, but a long-term shift that will shape the creative courses and the next generation of creatives.

The successful art and design courses of the future will produce graduates who can quickly harness the potential of evolving technologies. As educators, we should help them recognise the power and opportunities these advancements offer to creative practice, and empower them – through design, artistic expression, and storytelling – to act responsibly and drive positive change in the world.