On November 14th, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) hosted its annual Tech Prom event, featuring a one-night-only Artist Exhibition. Nearly a thousand attendees participated in this new tradition, which has become an integral part of CDT's annual benefit.
This marks the second year that CDT has brought together artists whose work delves into data and algorithmic systems, echoing themes central to current technology policy discussions. For three decades, CDT has advocated for civil rights and liberties amidst rapid technological changes that pose potential real-world harm.
CDT is composed of policy experts, lawyers, and technologists who believe in empowering people through technology while safeguarding against invasive uses. To fully explore these values, CDT emphasizes incorporating artists' voices into the conversation.
The curator of the Tech Prom Artist Exhibitions stated their goal: "to collaborate with artists and artworks that challenge Tech Prom’s audience to reexamine the lenses they use to view their daily work in policy, advocacy, government, industry, and more."
Sophia Brueckner was among this year's featured artists. A futurist artist/designer/engineer with experience at Google and MIT Media Lab, Brueckner presented her romance series. This series combines two bodies of work: "Captured by an Algorithm," which memorializes Kindle Popular Highlights on porcelain plates; and "Unrequited United," inviting viewers to express solidarity with anonymous highlighters. The curator noted the series' ability "to capture transient collective emotions into multiple physical forms."
Creative Theory Agency also participated in the exhibition. As a Black-owned creative agency focused on equity and cultural impact in marketing, they showcased "Ad Intelligence: New Age Advertising." This installation reflected advertising's role as society's mirror and extended their "WHAT PROMPTED YOU?" campaign. Senior Brand Manager Gerald Gordon led this project alongside Account Director Hannah Strickland.
The agency collaborated with Morgan State University's School of Global Journalism and Communications students under Dr. Jana Duckett's guidance. They explored how artificial intelligence reshapes American culture's reflection through lectures and exercises involving generative AI tools.
Curry Hackett contributed a large-scale AI-generated collage titled "In the Woods, We See Things." Inspired by hush harbors—secret structures used by enslaved Black individuals for religious activities—the piece speculates on Black gathering modes' relationships with media and nature.
Hackett's work relates to his series "Ugly Beauties," exploring space themes at larger scales. His previous work from last year's exhibition is permanently displayed at CDT’s D.C. office.
The 2024 Tech Prom Artist Exhibition was sponsored by Anthropic without editorial input on the artwork or themes presented during the event. All participating artists were compensated for their contributions.
CDT expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in making this year's exhibition successful while looking forward to future collaborations integrating artistic perspectives into their mission-driven initiatives.
