The Barcelona Supercomputing Center – National Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) has unveiled the Creative Intelligence Lab (CIL) at the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), a pioneering initiative in Europe aiming to embed creative practice at the core of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence research.
This lab stems from over a decade of interdisciplinary work by the BSC's Data Analytics and Visualization group, proving the viability and value of collaboration between artists and researchers. The goal is to foster the interconnection between science, art, technology, and society (ACTS), allowing art to offer a critical perspective on the social impact of research.
“"Europe has validated the idea that artists and creators are also a research community, and that artistic research can converge with scientific and technological research. The natural next step is to create laboratories that foster these ways of doing. The BSC is at the forefront of research centers, taking such an ambitious and promising step."
The CIL proposes a structural model where creative profiles are full members of scientific teams, a methodology that has generated scientific breakthroughs, patentable technologies, and internationally impactful cultural work.
Led by researcher Fernando Cucchietti, the lab is structured into three areas: Arts (residencies, public experiments), Studio (development of tools and visualizations), and Solutions (transfer of results to industry and culture). This ecosystem functions as a continuous cycle of creation, application, and return.
The lab launches with three strategic lines: the EXASCALE Program to connect creatives with HPC researchers, an international network of alliances with institutions such as Sónar+D, HacTe, CCCB, Ars Electronica, and TBA21, and an International Advisory Board with figures like Ricard Robles and Francesca Bria.
The three-year collaboration with vocalist and experimental artist María Arnal is highlighted, having generated projects like the immersive musical installation Maria Choir and the interactive installation Expanded Voices, with potential applications in music, performing arts, health, and voice education.
The launch of the CIL occurs at a key moment for Europe, with programs like S+T+ARTS and the push for European digital sovereignty. The BSC positions itself by combining top-tier computational infrastructure, such as the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer, with a dedicated structure for creativity as a driver of innovation.
