As AI advances and outstrips our notions of its limits and potential, could it capture that essential, undefinable human quality of great art? And if so, how might we preserve the rights of artists?  

Leading AI experts Marek Kowalkiewicz (The Economy of Algorithms), Toby Walsh (Machines Behaving Badly) and Professor Margaret Cameron, Head of the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at University of Melbourne, speak with Paul Barclay.     

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2024. 

As AI advances and outstrips our notions of its limits and potential, could it capture that essential, undefinable human quality of great art? And if so, how might we preserve the rights of artists?     Leading AI experts Marek Kowalkiewicz (The Economy of Algorithms), Toby Walsh (Machines Behaving Badly) and Professor Margaret Cameron, Head of the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at University of Melbourne, speak with Paul Barclay.     
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2024.

Australia's boldest literary festival.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

The Ghost in the Machines

Ghost stories are everywhere. In fairytales, folklore, Gothic novels and modern fiction alike. There are the ghosts that plague our minds – old flames, past wrongs and regrets that come to us in the dead of night – and those that haunt history itself, restless spirits that refuse to rest in peace. 

Gather round our metaphorical campfire and hear Sinéad Gleeson (Hagstone), share her moving and revealing piece of original work, responding to the theme ‘Ghosts’. 

Ghost stories are everywhere. In fairytales, folklore, Gothic novels and modern fiction alike. There are the ghosts that plague our minds – old flames, past wrongs and regrets that come to us in the dead of night – and those that haunt history itself, restless spirits that refuse to rest in peace. Gather round our metaphorical campfire and hear Sinéad Gleeson (Hagstone), share her moving and revealing piece of original work, responding to the theme ‘Ghosts’.

Sinéad Gleeson in Ghosts: An Evening of Storytelling

The Boisbouvier Chair in Australian Literature Tony Birch discusses his award-winning novel, Women and Children, with Bec Kavanagh.   

With tender yet forthright prose, Birch unravels the trauma of violence and the power of family in 1960s Fitzroy, writing ‘convincingly on power and the blinding nature of its corruptive forces’ (Sydney Morning Herald).  

Supported by the Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2024.

The Boisbouvier Chair in Australian Literature Tony Birch discusses his award-winning novel, Women and Children, with Bec Kavanagh.   
With tender yet forthright prose, Birch unravels the trauma of violence and the power of family in 1960s Fitzroy, writing ‘convincingly on power and the blinding nature of its corruptive forces’ (Sydney Morning Herald).     Supported by the Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne 
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2024.

Tony Birch: Women and Children

Following the runaway success of Mayflies, three-time Booker nominee Andrew O’Hagan penned another magnificent portrayal of male friendship in his latest book, Caledonian Road. He joins Michael Williams to discuss his biting portrait of British class, politics and money. 

Supported by ARA.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2024. 

Following the runaway success of Mayflies, three-time Booker nominee Andrew O’Hagan penned another magnificent portrayal of male friendship in his latest book, Caledonian Road. He joins Michael Williams to discuss his biting portrait of British class, politics and money. 
Supported by ARA. 
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2024.

The Ghost in the Machines

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