Yi Meng

5.23 Navigating New Territories in Cultural Preservation through AIGC-Assisted Storytelling (Paper) – virtual

Yi Meng – Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China – virtual

Yu Sheng – Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China – virtual

Abstract:

This study explores the systematic integration of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) tools into digital storytelling as an approach for students to discover innovative methods for preserving cultural heritage. Conducted at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, this action research connects students with UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Suzhou, where they explore and reinterpret the cultural stories of their surroundings. Through the exploration of both historical artifacts and current digital expressions, students can broaden the scope of cultural preservation in a fresh, interdisciplinary approach. Grounded in multimodal social semiotics (Kress, 2010), this project adopts studio pedagogy (Sheridan et al., 2022), which involves second-year students in digital media in an iterative and exploratory process of experimenting with various AIGC-facilitated modes, such as text, visuals, and sound, to create digital narratives that not only reflect their engagement with Suzhou’s heritage, but also express their personal cultural insights in creative forms. Preliminary findings indicate that AIGC-driven multimodal digital storytelling fosters students’ creativity and improves their understanding of cultural heritage. It encourages students to explore “unexpected territories” of digital media, thereby producing novel interpretations of cultural narratives. Negotiating these new digital territories enables students to create tools for engaging with their heritage in ways that are both personally meaningful and relevant in the globally connected, digitalized world of today. This presentation will present student projects and demonstrate the potential of AIGC-assisted digital storytelling to help students develop cross-cultural understanding and creativity. Attendees will obtain practical insights into this pedagogical framework for art education, which integrates historical and digital perspectives to empower students to explore their roles in the changing cultural preservation landscape.