OUTFRONT Media and Google DeepMind Launch Unique GenAI Co-Creation Campaign in NYC

OUTFRONT Media and Google DeepMind Partner for Innovative Initiative

OUTFRONT Media Inc. has announced an exciting collaboration with Google DeepMind to launch the 'Imagine If...' campaign, a unique civic project that merges artificial intelligence with human creativity. This first-of-its-kind program invites New Yorkers from all five boroughs to unleash their imaginations, while actively engaging with local artists through a citywide visual experience.

An Interactive Artistic Experience

The 'Imagine If...' initiative aims to transform public spaces into creative canvases, encouraging subway riders to share their most inspiring and imaginative ideas. Participants can easily submit their thoughts or concepts through a quick scan of a provided QR code, after which they will receive an AI-generated visualization of their submission. This process not only democratizes creativity by enabling public participation but also highlights how technology can bridge the gap between art and community involvement.

For a duration of one month, commuters and visitors will witness a dynamic presentation of these artistic creations displayed on OUTFRONT's extensive digital screens across the MTA subway stations. As people travel through the city's transit system, they will encounter vibrant and imaginative works that reflect the collective vision of the community. The campaign ultimately fosters an atmosphere of connection and belonging, reminding individuals of the power of shared imagination.

Local Artists and AI Collaboration

Five talented local artists have been selected to serve as visual architects of the project, with each artist representing one of New York City's boroughs. Their role will be to curate written submissions from their respective areas, using those insights as inspiration to create stunning video artworks. This transformation is made possible through the application of Google DeepMind's state-of-the-art video generation model, Veo. The combination of artist interpretation and AI technology enables a unique exploration of the city's cultural landscape.

Chad Shackelford, Vice President and Head of Digital Creative at OUTFRONT, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "'Imagine If...' invites New Yorkers to contribute to something larger than themselves. We are creating a citywide experience that celebrates imagination as a shared act, reminding us that public spaces can inspire connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging."

Matthieu Lorrain, Creative Lead at Google DeepMind, emphasized the significance of this initiative in regards to AI's role in art. He highlighted the potential of AI to facilitate participatory art formats, stating, "This project shows that when powerful models like Nano Banana and Veo are placed in the hands of talented local artists and fueled by the community's authentic imagination, it leads to a collective act of cultural co-creation. The future of creativity is this essential human-AI partnership, giving form to a population's shared dreams."

The Grand Finale

The campaign will culminate in a spectacular finale on December 14 in Times Square, where the most imaginative pieces created during the initiative will be showcased. The selected artworks will be featured prominently on OUTFRONT's digital displays at Two Times Square, drawing attention to the collaborative spirit that fueled this unique undertaking.

The artists involved in the project were selected by SuperHeroes, a recognized agency known for its innovative approach. The chosen artists include Lauren Camara, Ariana Cimino, Molly Goldfarb, Subway Doodle, and Jeff Wave, all of whom bring their own bold styles and perspectives to the campaign.

Subway Doodle shared his initial hesitance to incorporate AI into his work, noting, "As an artist, I was initially hesitant to use AI. But over time I accepted that AI is here to stay and I started exploring it. So when I got approached by SuperHeroes for this project I was curious to explore how to use Google's generative AI as a tool for my art."

Conclusion

The 'Imagine If...' campaign exemplifies the collaborative potential of technology and human creativity in shaping culture. By inviting public participation and showcasing artistic innovation, OUTFRONT Media and Google DeepMind have embarked on a journey to redefine the meaning of public art in the urban landscape, inviting every New Yorker to dream, create, and express themselves like never before. The project is a vital reminder of the importance of community voices and creative exploration within the fabric of the city.

For more information about the campaign and to participate, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the designated project website.