SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Discuss the Use of AI Technology for Scoring Artist Applications
Body
SUMMARY:
The Arts & Cultural Division is exploring the use of Monochronicle, a company that applies AI technology to assist in evaluating artist applications. The program allows us to set parameters (e.g., must have large-scale mural experience, must be a metal sculptor, etc.) and then analyzes resumes, letters of interest, and portfolios. It can even review artists’ public social media to provide a fuller picture beyond the submitted images.
This tool could address several challenges identified in our most recent call to artists, which received 277 applications:
• High volume of scoring - The process requires significant time from Board members, Arts Alliance members, and staff. Fatigue can impact consistency of scoring.
• Unconscious bias - Even with blind review, jurors sometimes recognize local artists by their work. In some cases, applicants include photos of themselves, which may also influence decisions.
• Incomplete scoring - Some jurors were unable to finish scoring, which skewed overall results.
• Resume review limitations - Jurors are not asked to read every resume, as it would be too time-consuming, leading to uneven evaluation.
Monochronicle conducted a test run using data from the last call and identified four top candidates. Of these, three were artists previously commissioned by Clearwater. The fourth was a California-based artist whose application was not scored completely. This and incomplete location factored into their non-selection. The proposed approach would be for Monochronicle to help narrow the applicant pool to a Top 40-50 artists, after which the Board would continue to serve as jurors to complete the scoring process. This would reduce the burden on jurors while still ensuring final decisions remain with the Board.