A collaborative project bridging traditional Thai dance and artificial intelligence has been awarded the AI Creative Future Grand Prix Award at a ceremony in Tokyo this week. "Cyber Subin," a production of Pichet Klunchun Dance Company in collaboration with the Cyborg Psychology research group at the MIT Media Lab, was selected from AI projects around the world as representative of the future of human creativity, where AI augments and advances our humanity and wisdom.

"I'm deeply honored that the jury selected our work," said Pat Pataranutaporn, co-creator and Cyborg Scientist/Philosopher on the project. "Through Cyber Subin, we investigate how artificial intelligence can preserve, reimagine, and extend cultural heritage while honoring the essence of human artistry and tradition."

In their commendation, the jury stated: "We highly commended this ambitious endeavor to integrate traditional Thai dance with AI, challenging the boundaries of 'Human-AI co-dancing.' It is particularly noteworthy that the artistic quality of the work was firmly underpinned by the dancers' exceptional technical skills. Furthermore, the supporting materials, which modeled the physical principles and gestures of traditional Thai dance in CG to present them visually and analytically, were deeply intriguing, offering fresh insights from both cultural and technological perspectives."

About Cyber Subin

Cyber Subin explores the intersection of traditional dance and technology, demonstrating how AI can serve as a tool for cultural preservation and artistic innovation. The project represents a new paradigm in creative collaboration between humans and machines, one that enhances rather than replaces human expression.

Learn more about the project: cybersubin.media.mit.edu

Learn more about the award: aica-awards.com

Credit

Cyber Subin is co-produced with National Theater & Concert Hall (Taiwan), Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, BKM (Indonesiana TV), Indonesia Bertutur (Bali), and Holland Festival (Amsterdam).

Co-creators: Pichet Klunchun, Pat Pataranutaporn

Choreographer/Director: Pichet Klunchun

Dancers: Padung Jumpan, Tas Chongchadklang, Chang Hung Chung, Terry Tsang King Fai, Sunon Wachirawarakarn, Kornkarn Rungsawang, Julaluck Eakwattanapun

Music Director and Composer: Lamtharn Hantrakul

3D and Animation Creator: Piyaporn Bhongse-tong

Creative Technologists: Phoomparin Mano, Chayapatr Archiwaranguprok

Cyborg Scientist/Philosopher: Pat Pataranutaporn

Lighting Designer: Ray Tseng

Dramaturg: Lim How Ngean

Stage Manager: Jirach Eaimsa-Ard

Producer: Sojirat Singholka