A new global survey by UNESCO and ICOM has found that museums are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) without the necessary policies, training and government.
More than 400 museums across 90 countries participated in the first UNESCO-ICOM Global Survey on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Museums.
The survey found that 57 percent of responding museums are already using AI, while 55 percent have no internal AI policy, strategy or guidelines.
57% of museums using AI
"Museums around the world are already experimenting with AI, while navigating important questions around ethics, trust and professional responsibility," said Medea Ekner, director general of ICOM.
"This survey gives us a clearer picture of that evolving landscape and will help ICOM support museums in making informed decisions about whether, when and how AI should be used.
"With ICOM’s newly revised code of ethics now explicitly addressing digital technologies, ICOM also wants to ensure that the values and expertise of museums help shape the responsible development and use of AI."
The survey showed that AI is being used for museum activities such as administration (70 percent), communication (62 percent), and research and documentation (43 percent), as well as for exhibition development and visitor engagement.
"Critical stage of AI adoption"
However, it found that AI adoption is still largely exploratory or staff-led, rather than institution-wide. Additionally, just 17 percent of museums reported providing AI training to staff.
"The findings point to a sector at a critical stage of AI adoption: experimentation is moving faster than institutional capacity and governance," said Nayef Al-Fayez, UNESCO's assistant director-general for culture.
"UNESCO, working with ICOM, will continue to help museums build the skills, policies and ethical frameworks they need to decide when, where and how AI can best serve their cultural, educational and social missions."
Respondents called for practical guidance and training in the technical and ethical use of AI, as well as stronger data governance and opportunities to share experience and good practice.
