"Sieker Speaks and We Listen": Under this motto, a new program is launching at Bielefeld University in the Sieker neighborhood. It is organized by Collaborative Research Center 1646 “Linguistic Creativity in Communication” and Transregio 318 “Constructing Explainability.” The program focuses on dialogue about language and artificial intelligence. The researchers want to engage with people in the neighborhood to learn about their everyday experiences with language and how things change when we communicate with AI. The events are specifically aimed at people who have had little contact with the university and research to date.
The series kicked off with a graffiti workshop led by Bielefeld-based artist MARLA for girls ages 12 and up. Under the theme “What does artificial intelligence mean to you? AI in your words and images,” the participants explored their own ideas about AI. They developed designs that they applied to cardboard walls using spray paint. The resulting graffiti will be on display at the Sieker neighborhood festival on September 18. There, the two research consortia will have a joint booth and will collect “language treasures” from visitors as well as their questions about artificial intelligence.
In the coming weeks, the program will continue at the Stadtteilküche and the Sieker Youth Center with workshops, hands-on afternoons, and a storytelling café. Visitors can explore, among other things, AI tools, robots, chatbots, AI games, and language
The program is not intended to be a one-time event. In the future, similar initiatives are planned for other neighborhoods in Bielefeld to continue fostering dialogue between the academic community and the broader community.
