Ringling College of Art and Design provides students with courses in safe and ethical use of AI
Ringling College of Art and Design, based in Sarasota, Florida, says its news initiatives are supporting students, educators and artists with the use of AI as its integrates the technology, while continuing to support human creativity.
Ringling College says it is “setting an international precedent” in AI instruction as it acknowledges the technology’s potential value in creativity, while also seeing art and design skills as essential.
“At Ringling College of Art and Design, we advocate for artists and designers to reckon with artificial intelligence on their own terms,” explains Rick Dakan, AI Coordinator and Professor of Creative Writing at Ringling College.
“For some, that means using the tools responsibly. Many object to using AI at all. For others, that means forging an AI-free path that is informed and effective. Our goal is to educate artists and designers through various avenues to help them make thoughtful decisions and advance in their professional careers.”
Ringling College offers an undergraduate AI certificate program, a library of AI resources for staff and students, an annual AI symposium and other opportunities.
Launched in 2024, Ringling’s undergraduate AI certificate program claims to be the first of its kind at an art and design institution. It aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of AI, its applications in creative contexts and its societal implications. More than 1,600 students have completed the course since its launch.
This year, Ringling will launch an eight-week online course, Fundamentals for AI Creatives, which is aimed at those wishing to advance their creative careers but were not given a chance to learn AI skills while at university.
Ringling College will host its second annual AI symposium, AI and Creative Innovation: Advocating for Artists and Designers, in October.
“Ringling College of Art and Design isn't just preparing for the future of AI; we're actively defining it,” adds Dr. Larry R. Thompson, President at Ringling College of Art and Design.
“Through our comprehensive offerings, from certificate programs to learning opportunities for those not pursuing a degree, Ringling College is forging the path for how AI can ethically and innovatively elevate human creativity, ensuring our students and the wider creative community are pioneers in this rapidly changing era of artistic expression and design.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
