As AI becomes more visible in West Virginia, questions about oversight and accountability are increasing. The WVSOM AI Task Force is exploring innovative applications while everyday users employ AI for tasks ranging from email drafting to creative generation, prompting transparency concerns. Musician Lucas Santiago welcomes AI as an aid but argues it won’t replace human artists, calling many generative outputs “amusing but not amazing.” His book, Unfinished — The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, frames AI as a creative tool rather than an artistic rival.
Why AI Won't Replace Artists: Musician Lucas Santiago on Creativity in the AI Age
Addressing the ethical questions of AI in artistry
WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) — As artificial intelligence grows more prominent, questions about oversight, accountability and creative transparency are rising across industries — including the arts.
AI in Everyday Work and Creative Fields
The WVSOM AI Task Force is identifying innovative, practical uses for advancing technologies across campus and beyond. Many people already rely on AI tools to draft emails, organize data and speed up routine tasks. More recently, generative models have begun producing creative works — from short stories to music — a shift that has sparked debate about authorship, transparency and ethical use.
A Musician’s Perspective
Formally trained musician Lucas Santiago says he has embraced AI as a creative aid rather than viewing it as a threat to human artistry. He told 59News that while generative models are impressive, they do not replace the deep emotional and cultural work artists contribute.
“I’m not worried about generative models,” Santiago said. “I also don’t think there is really a business case for a machine where you push a button and get music out of it. People may find that amusing for a few minutes, but something amazing is what you might dedicate your life to.”
Santiago explores these ideas in his book, Unfinished — The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, arguing that current AI systems are better understood as tools that can expand creative possibilities rather than as rivals that will replace human artists.
Looking Ahead
As AI tools become more accessible, conversations about transparency, credit, and regulation will grow more important. Artists, technologists and policymakers will need to work together to ensure that creative communities benefit from technological advances while preserving artistic integrity and clear standards for authorship.
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