Exploring Digital Artists and AI Collaboration within Augmented Reality

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping creative practices by assisting artists with technical tasks, expanding opportunities for experimentation and innovation. This dissertation investigates how AI-assisted coding tools can support the creation of augmented reality (AR) experiences for live theatre, focusing on their ability to reduce technical barriers while preserving artistic agency. The study adopts a practice-based, autoethnographic approach, culminating in the development of Impact, a pre-show interactive AR playbill for the musical Maiden Voyage. The research explores how AI-generated code can streamline development processes, particularly for artists without extensive programming expertise. Through iterative design, testing, and critical reflection, the project examines the benefits and limitations of using AI as a collaborative tool in creative production. Key findings highlight that while AI can accelerate coding tasks such as debugging and optimisation, effective use requires informed human oversight, creative decision-making, and iterative refinement. Ultimately, the study argues that AI functions best as a partner rather than a replacement for human creativity. By documenting the lived experience of integrating AI into AR development, this research contributes to ongoing debates about authorship, agency, and the evolving relationship between technology and artistry in the digital age.