Rather than seeing AI as a threat, Thomsen and Team Robot explore how technology can expand artistic practice. They show how machines can be collaborators in storytelling, play, and myth-making, opening up new forms of expression that blend human intuition with algorithms. Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or simply curious about its creative potential, this discussion will offer fresh insights and spark new ideas.

After the presentations, we’ll open the floor for questions about AI, robotics, storytelling and the ethics of machine creativity.

Duncan Thomsen is an award‑winning film editor and director. Over a career exceeding three decades, he’s worked with the BBC, Discovery, ITV, PBS and Netflix and earned an Emmy for The Ascent of Moneysiliconbrighton.com. Recently, he became a viral sensation with his AI “selfie” series, using the Midjourney platform to render historic scenes as if they were taken on a smartphone. Thomsen spent months refining prompts to achieve that candid look, and believes the approach could enrich history lessons in schools. His AI artworks have been viewed billions of times, and he’s created AI‑powered advertising for brands such as Nissan, Virgin and Coca‑Cola.

Team Robot balances the evening with high‑tech street art. Based in Shoreditch, born from remnants of the legendary TEAM ROBBO Graffiti crew, they design robots that spray‑paint huge murals. Reports describes their machines—self‑aware droids with neural‑learning CPUs—using electrical‑flux physics to paint a 100 m² wall in minutes, reshaping letters mid‑spray. Those fantastical claims may be part of the art itself, a playful attempt to fool AI and audiences alike. Situated in a neighbourhood renowned for street art, Team Robot uses myth‑making to blur the line between fact and fiction, inviting us to re‑examine our relationship with technology.

This event is part of Dreamy Place and in Partnership with SAFE Art Gallery, Kemptown.