How can we nurture the desire to create in the age of artificial intelligence? This question guided “New Forms of Creative Knowledge”, geniaLAB’s first annual Forum, held on 23 and 24 October 2026 at AANT’s campus in Via Monza, Rome. The two-day event brought together scholars, artists, professionals and representatives of educational institutions to explore changes in creativity and knowledge.
The Forum provided an opportunity to reflect on the work of geniaLAB, the Academy’s transdisciplinary research HUB dedicated to generative AI, digital culture, cognitive technologies and creative innovation. Following a welcome address by AANT Director Rossana Quarta, Gianna Angelini, AANT’s Scientific Director and geniaLAB Coordinator, reviewed the HUB’s first year of activities. Andrea Colamedici, Chair of its Scientific Committee, introduced the debate by considering how to navigate alarmist accounts and promotional narratives surrounding AI.
The opening session brought together perspectives from Massimo Canevacci, Paolo Granata, Sabina Minardi and Maura Gancitano. Cultural change, trust in younger generations, responsibility in journalism and the relationship between desire and technology opened a discussion about the role of education in supporting independent thinking and the development of a personal creative vision.
The discussion continued with Pier Luigi Capucci, Emanuele Frontoni, Marco Gori and Simone Arcagni in a session moderated by Maura Gancitano, followed by contributions from Luna Bianchi, Alex Braga and Derrick de Kerckhove, moderated by Gianna Angelini. Key themes included human decision-making in generative processes, the responsibility to understand and interpret results, the value of the creative process and the expressive possibilities emerging from the interaction between languages and technologies.
A lecture and discussion with Fr Andrea Ciucci, Secretary General of the Vatican RenAIssance Foundation, completed the day’s exchanges. The closing presentation gave the floor to AANT students, who shared the outcomes of “AI&ME: The Fine Line Between Creativity and Generativity”, a workshop led by Alex Braga, bringing first-hand experimentation into the discussion.
On Saturday 24 October, the Forum continued in the Giardino d’Inverno, turning to the question “How can we inspire and develop the desire to create in the age of AI?” Rossana Quarta was joined by Laura Negrini, Director of IED Rome; Anthony Marasco, Chair of NABA’s AI Committee; and Giovanna Cassese, a member of ANVUR’s Governing Board. Representatives of the academies, Scientific Committee members and attending faculty contributed to an exchange on teaching and artistic and design research, including the criteria through which its value can be recognised and assessed.
geniaLAB’s first Forum marks a further step in AANT’s ongoing work to connect research, experimentation and education. Collaboration across disciplines and institutions offers a way to help students develop awareness, critical thinking and the desire to shape the future through their creative practice.