The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has left numerous livelihoods hanging in the balance, creating a palpable sense of uncertainty. This isn’t the first time humanity has faced transformative shifts; from the typewriter to the computer, the palm OS to the iPad, iterative invention has been a constant companion in our journey through time.
The arts and creative industries, renowned for their adaptability, are not exempt from the sweeping changes brought about by AI. In an era of vast possibilities, quantifiable solutions remain the bedrock for economists and creative advocates alike.
In the mid-aughts (2000s), the confluence of the great recession and the housing industry collapse led to the demise of concepts, firms, and traditional methodologies. However, amidst the challenges emerged a wave of innovation, giving rise to ideas like pop-up exhibitions and conferences.
Visual Collaborative, a platform that weathered the storm, continued to push boundaries during this transformative period. Leveraging the creative class, Ade Olufeko, its founder, emerged as a luminary in the New Media movement. His brainchild, the Visual Collaborative platform, started under the radar, evolving over time into a significant force in the creative landscape.
Fast forward to 2024, after 18 years of shaping the creative narrative, the limited liability entity of Visual Collaborative has dissolved. In a strategic move, it has spun off into initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals, with a primary focus on its publishing arm, Polaris North Star.
However, the journey forward presents its own set of challenges. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in 2021 introduces complexities, creating a slippery slope for platforms and companies of similar nature, particularly those consisting of nomad consulting executives of influence. Navigating this regulatory landscape demands finesse and adaptability.
In the midst of a barrage of AI advancements, X factors on the health stage, and other disruptive global events unfolding at breakneck speeds, Visual Collaborative and its spin-offs are poised to become a rare commodity. This marks the beginning of a new phase, characterized by strategic partnerships and a continued commitment to shaping the intersection of art, technology, and sustainable development.
