Official press release from E-AI without modifications. Featured image provided by E-AI from E-AI 2022, credits Eva Blue.
AI on a human scale at the heart of the issues, exchanges and programming on February 26 and 27 at the Palais des congrès
Montreal, February 13, 2025 – E-Al 2025 unveils a program resolutely focused on current issues in the cultural, creative and entertainment industries. After the Paris Artificial Intelligence Summit and its declaration for an “open, inclusive and ethical” artificial intelligence (AI), E-AI will highlight reflections and solutions to better explore how AI is redefining these sectors.
“We offer a most inspiring program,” says Alexandre Teodoresco, vice-president, strategic development and innovation, of the collective Les 7 Doigts and co-president of E-AI. It is essential that the industry and all those concerned about the future of creativity have a realistic and constructive conversation about the evolution of AI. We believe in its extraordinary potential to reinvent creativity, but the theme of the conference, On a Human Scale, is not insignificant. People must remain at the heart of our actions in a world increasingly dominated by algorithms. »
The programming team’s favourites
Around four pillars – the impact of AI on artists, the creative industries, sectoral issues and practical case studies – here is an overview of a program that features guests and experts from here and abroad.
It’s not easy to choose, but on the international side, here are five events that will capture attention
Based in Belgium, French artist Patrick Tresset explores the encounter between robotics and drawing, questioning how algorithms and mechanical systems can imitate human expression in art. With his exhibitions and workshops, he democratizes discussions about AI and its potential in artistic practices.
His work has been exhibited in prestigious museums and art festivals, and he is often cited in debates about human-machine creativity and AI-driven art installations. Among his emblematic achievements are:
- Paul the Robot – a robot capable of drawing expressively;
- RoboCoop – a collaborative project on drawing between humans and robots;
- Solo exhibitions exploring artistic creation by machine versus that of humans.
Presented at the opening of E-AI, his conference will set the table perfectly by asking the question Art and technology: a prehistoric union, what does AI bring to it?.
The E-AI team is pleased to welcome Kyle McDonald, a leading figure in digital art and open source technologies. This creative artist and programmer pushes the boundaries of interactive creation by exploring AI, computer vision, and data protection. At the crossroads of art and technology, her work takes a critical look at surveillance and the interaction between humans and machines. He is a key voice in the debate about AI and its impact on our daily lives. His lecture After the Crash will offer alternative approaches to the use of AI, beyond the production of images of Donald Trump and Elon Musk kissing on top of a blood-soaked planet.
Visionary Italian musician and composer Alex Braga is integrating AI into his live performances, including with A-MINT, his AI-driven real-time improvisation system. He builds bridges between classical music and AI, and is recognized for his AI-assisted musical performances. A-MINT is a concrete example of how AI can enrich creativity without supplanting the human element. The theme of his presentation will be: Bone to AI – A brief history of how music and AI could save or destroy the world.
E-AI will also welcome Turkish artist and entrepreneur Ferdi Alıcı, with his lecture First AI Artwork in Space: A New Era of Renaissance. He co-founded Ouchhh Studio, a creative studio that pushes the boundaries of digital art by marrying AI, generative design and big data. In addition, he is responsible for spectacular audiovisual installations, presented in museums, festivals and public spaces around the world. Through his groundbreaking projects, he explores how data and AI can enrich art-making and transform the way we think about art. Ferdi Alıcı is one of the pioneers who show how AI can become a powerful tool for artistic expression, rather than just a technological feat.
The American Ross Goodwin wants to redefine storytelling in the age of AI. A data poet, artist, creative technologist, hacker , and former White House ghostwriter, he uses neural networks and AI to experiment with literature and language, designing works that push the boundaries of traditional writing. He doesn’t see AI as just a tool for efficiency, but as a true partner in the creative process. His work challenges notions of authorship, originality, and storytelling, raising critical questions about the future of literature in the age of AI.
Local Leaders at E-AI
More than 100 speakers and experts in 60 sessions, workshops and immersive experiences
The E-AI team is eminently proud to bring together for this memorable edition the exceptional talents of the local creative AI scene, including Anne Nguyen, David Usher, Julien Bigeault, Sandra Rodriguez, Dennis Kastrup, Yves Jacquier, Chloé Sondervorst and Nicolas Roy.
In addition, the event helped create $100,000 in scholarships as part of the launch of Alchimia 2025, powered by Prompt. This initiative aims to multiply the potential of the cultural and creative industries with AI.
Among the varied and daring programming, we highlight the collaboration with several key players in our community in the development of stimulating activities:
- Round tables
- AI, really hot or just hot air?, in collaboration with Hub Montreal;
- Paths of Resistance: Shaping artistic, cultural and technological alternatives to the current toxic imaginaries of AI, in collaboration with the Society for Arts and Technology;
- Is AI an artist? Reflections on creativity, technique and authenticity in the film industry, in collaboration with the Quebec Film and Television Council;
- Six networking activities on the theme of Acting on our skills, in collaboration with Synthèse – Pôle Image Québec;
- The first “Midjourney Battle of the Prompts” presented in Canada, in collaboration with the Creative Talent Network.
Strong support
In addition to counting on the Palais des congrès as a presenting partner of the meeting, E-AI 2025 benefited from the financial participation of the City of Montreal, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada to ensure its organization. “The support of the City of Montréal, the Fonds signature métropole, the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, and Canada Economic Development demonstrates that E-AI has its raison d’être and promises to quickly become an essential place for exchanges. Their contribution motivates us to surpass ourselves! “, concludes Alexandre Teodoresco.
The complete program is unveiled here. And to participate in E-AI 2025, it’s here !
