A question to ChatGPT

Here is a question which I posted on X, and then decided to ask ChatGPT:

Throughout history, rarity has driven value. The wealthy became patrons of unique art, music, and culture—think Renaissance art or the Church’s role in the Middle Ages. Scarcity made creativity precious and sought after. Today, we live in a world where music, art, and even writing are no longer rare. Thanks to AI, anyone can create almost anything instantly, and often for free. This shift has made creativity, in some sense, disposable—easily replaced or enhanced within seconds. So, my question is this: In an era where the products of creativity are losing their perceived value (though not their utility), what will define value moving forward? What will future patrons and sponsors support? Or is the age of culture funded by the wealthy fading away? What will be the new “currency” of creativity?

ChatGPT’s response

I love that question because it touches on the tension between abundance and value, especially in the context of creativity and technology. Here’s my take:

In the past, rarity did indeed drive value, as you pointed out. Whether it was art, music, or literature, these were domains accessible only to those with the time, skill, and resources to create them. Patrons, whether wealthy individuals, religious institutions, or monarchies, were critical to supporting artists and ensuring that their work could be brought into the world. The act of creation was inherently time-consuming and labor-intensive, so the products of that effort were scarce and, therefore, valuable.

Today, with AI democratizing creation—making it faster, easier, and in many cases cheaper—we’re entering a world where scarcity no longer applies in the traditional sense. Almost anyone can generate a piece of art, music, or writing at a high level of proficiency. So, if creativity itself isn’t scarce anymore, where does value come from?

I think value in the future will be less about the product itself and more about context, authenticity, and curation. Let me break that down:

1. Authenticity and Human Connection

AI can replicate creativity, but what it can’t replicate (yet, at least) is human experience, emotion, and intent. I think people will still crave work that comes from a deeply personal or emotional place. The value will shift from “Can you produce something beautiful?” to “What story are you telling?” and “Why does this matter to you?” The human touch, the imperfections, and the lived experience behind a piece will become more precious. Artists who can tap into these elements will still stand out in a sea of AI-generated content.

2. Curation and Trust

As AI floods the market with content, the value of curation will rise. If there’s too much to sift through, we’ll need trusted voices—curators, critics, influencers, platforms—who can help us navigate the overwhelming abundance of creative work. The real currency might be the ability to sift through the noise and find what’s worth paying attention to. This could make cultural gatekeepers more relevant again, but in a different way than in the past.

3. Unique Experiences Over Mass Production

People may start valuing experiences that cannot be replicated digitally. Think of live performances, immersive experiences, or even physical artwork that can’t be perfectly copied by an algorithm. These one-of-a-kind moments or artifacts will hold value precisely because they are inherently limited in their access or impact. People may pay a premium for things that are experiential and exclusive, rather than easily reproducible.

4. Customization and Personalization

As AI becomes better at producing creative work, the value may shift to bespoke creations—personalized art, music, or writing tailored to the individual. Patrons may not pay for a work of art as it stands but for something that feels uniquely theirs. This could redefine how we interact with creators, with a greater emphasis on collaboration between artist and audience.

5. Patrons of Culture, Not Just Products

As for patronage, I think we’re already seeing a shift from supporting individual works of art to supporting entire creative ecosystems or ideas. Platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, and even NFTs (despite their volatility) reflect this new kind of patronage. People aren’t just paying for an artwork—they’re paying for a relationship with the creator or for access to a community.

We could see a rise in patrons funding cultural movements, sustainability in art, or educational platforms that allow more people to become creators. Instead of backing a single work of art or artist, they’ll back new systems of creation that align with their values—whether that’s open access, cultural preservation, or emerging technology.

6. Scarcity of Attention

The most finite resource now is attention, not creativity. With so much content available, gaining sustained attention will be the real challenge for creators. Value will likely accrue to those who can hold attention in meaningful, ongoing ways, which could be through narrative depth, social or political relevance, or unique ways of engaging with an audience over time.

In short, I don’t think the age of patronage is over, but it’s evolving. Patrons will still seek to support what they find meaningful, but that meaning will be found not in the production of something rare, but in the uniqueness of the experience, the personal connection, and the ability to navigate a world of infinite creative potential. The “currency” of the future may very well be the ability to connect in a sea of abundance.

and here is Grok’s reponse:

The value of creativity in the future, especially in an era dominated by AI and abundance, will likely pivot from the scarcity of creative output to the uniqueness of human experience, narrative, and purpose behind creation. Here’s how this might unfold:

1. Emotional and Experiential Depth: As AI can replicate technical skills, the human element of creativity—empathy, emotional depth, and lived experience—will become more valuable. Creators who can imbue their work with personal stories, unique perspectives, or deep emotional resonance will stand out. Future patrons might support art that tells a compelling story or evokes profound emotional responses, something AI might mimic but not genuinely replicate.
2. Curators and Tastemakers: With an overload of creative content, individuals or entities that can filter, curate, and provide context will gain prominence. These curators will define trends, set standards, and guide consumption, much like art directors or critics. Their ability to discern what resonates culturally or emotionally will become a form of currency.
3. Authenticity and Originality: In a world where AI can generate art, music, or literature, the authenticity of human creation will be prized. This doesn’t just mean “made by a human” but “reflects a unique human perspective or experience.” Creators who can prove their work’s originality or who engage in live, real-time creation processes might find more support.
4. Narrative and Purpose: Why something is created might become as important as what is created. Art that serves a purpose beyond aesthetics—whether it’s social commentary, environmental awareness, or personal therapy—could attract patrons who value impact over mere beauty or novelty.
5. Community and Belonging: Creativity that fosters community, belonging, or shared experiences will be valuable. Patrons might support creators who build platforms or spaces where people connect, share, and co-create, emphasizing the social aspect of creativity.
6. Innovation in Process: While AI might democratize creative outputs, the process of creation could become an art form itself. Artists who innovate in how they create, using new mediums, technologies, or blending traditional with digital in novel ways, might attract interest for their methodology as much as their output.
7. Cultural Preservation and Evolution: There might be a resurgence in valuing creativity that preserves or evolves cultural heritage. Patrons could support creators who blend tradition with modernity, ensuring cultural narratives aren’t lost in the flood of AI-generated content.
8. Educational and Therapeutic Value: Creativity that educates or heals could see increased patronage. Art that helps people learn, cope with mental health, or understand complex issues through creative expression might be funded for its societal benefits.

The age of culture funded by the wealthy might not fade but transform. Wealthy patrons could shift towards supporting creators who offer unique experiences, deep emotional connections, or significant cultural contributions rather than just owning rare pieces. The “new currency” of creativity might well be emotional authenticity, cultural impact, and the ability to foster human connection in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. This shift reflects a move from valuing the product of creativity to valuing the process, the story, and the impact of creativity on individuals and society.