Dr Joanna Tidy has been leading a team based in the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations to investigate the responsible use of AI in the museum and heritage sector, specifically in relation to biases in AI and how they might enmesh with the colonial history of museum collections.
The project is in partnership with the Royal Armouries, the UK's national museum of arms and armour and brings together a multi-discplinary team from the universities of Sheffield, Cambridge, Sheffield Hallam and York.
The project, on colonial collections, data management, and the responsible use of AI, was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)‘s Bridging Responsible AI Divides (BRAID) programme, and explored the practical and ethical issues of using AI in a museum collections setting.
Grounded in research work with the Indian collection at the Royal Armouries the project explored what ‘responsible AI use’ might mean for museums and heritage organisations that hold collections of colonial origin. In doing so, the project aimed to help both the Royal Armouries and other museums and heritage organisations to navigate their AI use in a more conscious and ethical way.
A written guide to support museums to do this is the project’s main output and will be released shortly. The Collections Trust judges felt that the project really captured the essence of the award theme, as it was an excellent example of putting legacy collections data to work by utilising new technologies.
Joanna commented “The Collections Trust develops collections management standards and advice that supports the work of museums around the world so we feel really honoured that they have recognised the project. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with museums and heritage organisations to develop critical and situated approaches to ethical AI use that are right for them and their communities.”
