Two top San Francisco art schools embrace AI with new leadership roles

Two San Francisco art universities have appointed new leadership roles focused on artificial intelligence, signaling a decisive embrace of AI technology in creative education. The Academy of Art University named its creative director as “chief AI evangelist,” while the California College of the Arts launched an AI incubator partnership with Nvidia, marking a significant shift as mainstream art schools grapple with AI’s controversial role in creative fields.

What you should know: Both institutions are integrating AI directly into their core academic programs despite ongoing industry debates about AI-generated art.

• The Academy of Art University appointed Ross Patrick as “chief AI evangelist” to “advance the integration of artificial intelligence across all creative programs,” develop a Master of Arts in AI degree, and strengthen ties with local tech companies.
• California College of the Arts announced the CCA-Nvidia Incubator for Creative Intelligence, connecting Nvidia experts with faculty and creating AI arts exhibitions.
• Patrick previously helped develop the university’s AI for Visual Artists, AI for Everyone, AI Empowerment, and AI for Design courses.

The big picture: These moves reflect deepening ties between San Francisco’s tech industry and art scene, backed by significant financial investments.

• The announcements follow major tech donations, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s $22 million contribution to CCA that “all but saved it from financial ruin.”
• Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs’ widow and philanthropist, has also invested in reviving the San Francisco Art Institute, highlighting tech leaders’ growing influence in local arts education.
• CCA’s AI program represents the first collaboration between the university and Nvidia since Huang’s February donation.

Why this matters: Art schools are taking sides in an increasingly polarized debate over AI’s role in creative work.

• Critics argue AI art generators infringe on copyrights by scraping human-made artwork datasets and threaten already limited professional opportunities for artists.
• Some venues are actively rejecting AI art—Oakland’s Thee Stork Club recently banned AI-generated artwork in promotional flyers.
• Philosophical concerns persist that AI “removes humanity” from creative endeavors that many consider fundamental to human expression.

What they’re saying: University leaders frame AI as an empowering tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.

• “We won’t just ride the AI wave; we will prepare the next generation of creative shapeshifters who prove that the best future empowers humanity at every turn,” CCA President David C. Howse said Tuesday.
• Howse told KQED that the school’s AI stance “won’t be an uncritical one,” explaining that embracing AI will include “grappling with these big questions.”
• The Academy of Art University has previously called AI-generated productions “the future of creativity” in promotional materials.

Competitive landscape: While many universities are appointing chief AI officers, most focus on traditional academic disciplines rather than creative arts.

• Universities nationwide are integrating AI into political science, computer science, and humanities curricula.
• However, mainstream art schools are “only now beginning to address the technology’s place behind the easel.”
• The Academy of Art University’s appointment represents a “deepening commitment” beyond its existing AI courses, hackathons, and exhibitions.