Spotlight on Arts with Sean Caroll
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This conversation covers Sean Carroll’s involvement in the new media art scene, including his work with the New Media Art Club. Sean discusses how the club aims to support artists and help them develop their practice, as well as provide opportunities for showcasing their work. He discusses the recent “Computer Failure” exhibition, which explored artists’ relationships with the internet and connected technology. Sean also reflects on his path into the creative industries, noting that he has always been drawn to the arts and writing. The discussion touches on the challenges of balancing event organisation with one’s own creative practice, as well as the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the creative sector.
The latest episode of Spotlight on Arts explores what it means to support artists, build creative networks, and embrace the role of digital technology in contemporary practice. Hosted by John Coster and Rob Watson, Spotlight on Arts is a programme dedicated to uncovering the people, ideas, and initiatives that shape the cultural landscape. In this episode, we speak with Sean Carroll, co-founder of New Media Art Club, about his work in curating digital arts, organising exhibitions, and researching the role of artificial intelligence in supporting creative practice.
Creativity and Collaboration in the Arts
Sean Carroll is well known for his work in Leicester’s digital arts scene, supporting artists to develop their practice and find opportunities to showcase their work. Rather than focusing solely on his own artistic journey, Sean is committed to helping others realise their creative potential—whether through curating exhibitions, securing funding, or fostering artist networks.
At the heart of this discussion is New Media Art Club, a collective dedicated to making digital art more accessible and creating opportunities for artists to present their work. Sean explains how the organisation has evolved over the past two years and how its most recent project, “Computer Failure”, brought together artists exploring the themes of technology and connectivity.
Making Art Visible: Challenges and Opportunities
A key challenge for many artists isn’t just producing work—it’s getting it seen, recognised, and valued. Sean discusses the importance of physical exhibitions and live events in a time when digital spaces dominate. While online platforms provide global reach, he argues that real-world engagement remains crucial for fostering creative communities and meaningful conversations.
Reflecting on the recent Computer Failure exhibition, Sean highlights the diversity of work on display, from teletext-based pieces to sculptural installations and interactive media. By encouraging artists to reflect on their personal relationship with technology, the exhibition demonstrated how digital connectivity influence’s identity, history, and artistic expression.
The Role of AI in Creative Practice
One of the most thought-provoking parts of the conversation centres on Sean’s PhD research into artificial intelligence and art collections. He explores how AI can support curation, making collections more accessible and helping artists engage with digital archives. However, he also acknowledges the challenges—AI’s reliance on pattern recognition means it often reinforces homogeneity, making originality and human creativity even more valuable.
While some fear that AI will replace creative jobs, Sean sees an opportunity: as AI-generated content becomes more common, artists who can offer unique, non-homogenised perspectives will stand out. He argues that the real challenge is not just using AI but finding ways to make it work alongside human creativity rather than replacing it.
Supporting the Arts: A Call for Collaboration
As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that supporting the arts is about more than just creating—it’s about connecting, organising, and advocating. Sean and the hosts discuss the realities of freelancing, the importance of word-of-mouth marketing, and the value of collaborative networks in making the arts sustainable.
So, what’s next for New Media Art Club? Sean reveals plans for an AI-themed exhibition, a curation course, and continued fundraising to support future digital art projects.
Listen to the full conversation and be part of the discussion. Let us know your thoughts! How do you see AI shaping the future of art? What challenges do you face as an artist or creative organiser? Join the conversation in the comments or on social media.
