so much more lies below the equator!
“An AI of Our Own” is an initiative of Living Arts International, an international NGO with Cambodian roots that aims to build “a peaceful, sustainable future with the living arts as a catalyst for change.”
At AAOO, we envision a future where ethical, respectful, and community-centered AI is the norm, where the global south is fairly represented across all major and minor models, and communities are empowered to create digital futures that are responsive to the ever-evolving nature of culture and technology.
designing with people and purpose
Community
Centred
We center communities in our process from start to finish, ensuring the design, approach, and methodology for collecting and representing data are in line with their practices and traditions, as well as a strong focus on data governance, functionality, and accessibility.
responsible
We promote ethical AI by addressing bias in data collection and AI model training with underrepresented community groups, cultural heritage and tech experts. We consider data stewardship and environmental concerns in our choice of models and partners.
responsive
AAOO acknowledges the evolving nature of culture and technology, and the need for some data to remain sacred. Our approach is based on iteration and learning.
Our approach to a just and empowered digital future
Advocate
We aim to center the global south in the digital future and lead the discourse on ethical, community-centered AI.
Collaborate
From the AAOO Consortium to the Manifesto working group, we believe that to go far, we must go together. We bring together tech experts, cultural leaders, community members, artists, and more.
Develop
We believe that experimenting and putting ideas into practice is necessary for lasting change. Starting with a few small pilot cases, we aim to continue testing and adapting.
Evolve
The landscape of technology and AI – and the world – is changing at a lightning fast speed. We aim to create, iterate, learn, and evolve, in a constant cycle of growth and adaptation.