‘You are all born artists’: Prakash Belawadi on surviving the AI age

Actor and theatre artist Prakash Belawadi commenced his presentation at the TechSparks 2026 conference by posing a question to the audience: "Any artists in here?" He proceeded to answer his own query, stating that everyone is inherently an artist, but the educational system and corporate world might have stifled that innate creativity.

In his talk "The last human advantage: What AI cannot replace", Belawadi explored how technology is transforming creativity, work, culture, and public life. When questioned about AI's potential to undermine artists, Belawadi differentiated between personal artistic expression and art created for commercial or practical reasons. He cited a show of hands among those who had attempted writing poetry; many who initially doubted their artistic ability raised their hands.

Belawadi argued that the motivation to create something for oneself, even without the prospect of financial gain, demonstrates the core essence of artistry. For him, AI posed no threat to such personal endeavors. However, when creativity becomes a professional pursuit with a deadline and a specific outcome, AI can be employed as a tool to fulfill a predetermined objective.

For instance, a lyricist tasked with creating a song within a limited timeframe might utilize AI to generate lyrics based on specific parameters. This application of AI would simplify the task, but it also raises concerns about competition among artists. Belawadi warned that as more individuals turn to AI for such tasks, the landscape for artists could shift.

He noted that actors could be replaced in certain roles, as AI could replicate their personas and deliver performances convincingly. While AI may replicate an actor's appearance and deliver a compelling performance, Belawadi argued that replicating the depth of a person shaped by lived experience remains beyond AI's capabilities.

He also highlighted the broader implications of AI deployment, noting that the increased energy demand for AI could exacerbate climate change. Belawadi cautioned that AI development should be guided by a sense of responsibility towards one's community, urging AI creators to consider the positive impact their technology can have on people's lives.