MishMash

I have known for a long time that SVG images are vector based, hence the name “Scalable Vector Graphics”. But it only occurred to me today that SVG is an XML-based image format, which means they can be opened and modified as a regular text file. For the MishMash application, we used PDF versions of the figures (which worked well when writing in LaTeX). However, as I am now working on the first web page for MishMash, I discovered that we have SVG versions of the figures....

Several people have asked about the story behind our name, MishMash. Some also wonder whether it is an acronym for something. It is not; we are thinking about it as a descriptive part of our full centre name: “MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity”. I can reveal that the name has been heavily discussed in our consortium from the beginning of our application process. If I recall correctly, it first appeared during a conversation with my colleague Ragnhild Brøvig in late April last year....

Yesterday, we learned that MishMash has been funded. Many people are asking about our plans, so here is a quick overview based on those outlined in the application. What? MishMash will be a large Norwegian centre dedicated to exploring the intersection of AI and creativity. Our primary objective is to create, explore, and reflect on AI for, through, and in creative practices. We will investigate AI’s impact on creative processes, develop innovative CoCreative AI systems, and address AI’s ethical, cultural, and societal implications in creative domains....

Yesterday, I received a brief phone call from the Research Council of Norway, where I was asked to come to UiO’s University Library today. The very pleasant message was that our bid for a Norwegian AI centre had been selected by the committee: MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity will be a reality! Today’s press release was a high-profile event with both the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, and Minister of Research and Higher Education, Sigrun Aasland, present....

Today we submitted the proposal “MishMash - Centre for AI & Creativity” to the Research Council of Norway’s call for Norwegian AI centres. If we get funded, the goal is to create, explore, and reflect on AI for, through, and in creative practices. Preparing this proposal has been a fantastic journey. More than 100 researchers from 16 Norwegian higher education institutions, 4 research institutes, and 3 artistic research centres have partnered with the National Library, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), the National Museum, and several other museums, institutions, organisations, and industry partners both within and outside of Norway....