TCS Collaborates with Munch Museum to Transform Art Experiences Through AI

 Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has joined forces with the Munch Museum (MUNCH) in Oslo to introduce immersive and interactive drawing experiences for both local visitors and a global audience. Leveraging TCS Research's expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the collaboration aims to breathe life into Edvard Munch's artworks, showcasing his creative process through the lens of digital innovation.

MUNCH houses the world's most extensive collection of art dedicated to the renowned Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch, comprising 26,724 artworks, non-art objects, and writings across 11 galleries on 13 floors. The museum, recognizing the opportunity to honor Munch's inventive and inclusive spirit, approached TCS to co-create the first-ever real-time drawing experience based on Munch's extensive collection. The objective is to engage new audiences and offer a unique, interactive encounter with Munch's artistry.

The collaboration between TCS and MUNCH involves designing, developing, and testing pioneering AI and ML technologies connected to the museum's database of approximately 7,000 original drawings. TCS, beyond contributing to groundbreaking research, will extend IT consultancy, collaborative workshops, and talent exchanges to facilitate the creation of immersive museum experiences, showcasing the future of art. These experiences will immerse visitors in the aesthetic quality of Munch's paintings and drawings, offering an unprecedented closeness to his unique worldview.

MUNCH will gain access to TCS Research teams, partners from its Co-Innovation Network (COIN™), tools, and methodologies. The collaboration will leverage TCS’ Pace Ports™, a global network of co-innovation and research hubs designed to rapidly design and prototype next-generation digital solutions.

Beyond the realm of art and technology, this partnership will open avenues for MUNCH and TCS to assess joint business opportunities for partners and clients. The collaboration will delve into exploring strategic priorities and identifying art technology use cases that can redefine the intersection of technology and artistic expression.

“Edvard Munch was a restless innovator who explored the human condition through his experimental art, and we wanted to honor his dream of sharing his art with everyone. TCS has a reputation for digital innovations, and it has been thought provoking to see how powerful AI and ML technologies can be used to bring an artist’s work to life in ways they could never have imagined. We believe this partnership will help us further extend our work in engagin a global audience interested in experiencing our museum and the fascinating oeuvre of Edvard Munch,” said Tone Hansen, Director at MUNCH. 

“We are excited to be a part of MUNCH’s futuristic vision, and the possibility of using generative AI in an area that is as personal and intimate as art appreciation. Applications such as this truly bring to life the scenarios that the current generation of AI systems have made possible.  We are delighted to partner with the museum as it provides an intimate insight into Munch’s worldview and by using AI, we make learning about art a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Dr Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer, TCS.

In conclusion, the partnership between TCS and MUNCH signifies a pivotal moment in the fusion of technology and art. By harnessing the power of AI and ML, the collaboration is set to revolutionize how audiences engage with and appreciate the works of Edvard Munch. The immersive experiences envisioned through this partnership not only pay tribute to Munch's legacy but also pave the way for the future of art encounters, marrying creativity with cutting-edge technology. As MUNCH and TCS embark on this journey, it holds the promise of shaping the landscape of art experiences for generations to come.