What's Behind the Magic? Audiences Seek Artistic Value in Generative AI's Contributions to a Live Dance Performance

Disclosure timing matters significantly: Audiences rated AI-generated artistic contributions more favorably when they didn't know AI was involved beforehand, suggesting that knowledge of AI use influences aesthetic judgment independent of the actual artistic quality.

Transparency creates bias, not clarity: The study found that informing audiences about GenAI involvement before experiencing the performance led to lower appreciation ratings, indicating that technical disclosure can paradoxically reduce rather than enhance understanding of AI's artistic value.

Context shapes perception of artistic merit: The research demonstrates that how and when people learn about AI's role fundamentally changes their evaluation of artistic value, highlighting that technical explanations alone are insufficient for building public trust in AI-generated art.

Stakeholder disagreement reflects a real phenomenon: The mixed opinions about AI art's value aren't simply due to poor communication—they appear rooted in how people process information about AI involvement, suggesting the field needs strategies beyond better technical explanations to address legitimate concerns about authenticity and artistic intent.

Social context deserves equal attention to technology: The authors argue that understanding how people interpret GenAI contributions is as important as the technical capabilities themselves, calling for a more human-centered approach to responsible AI development in creative fields.