Exploring Future Dystopias as Tools for Social Awareness in the Context of Art, Creativity, and Inclusive Culture

Abstract

In this paper, we consider an academic research project conducted with undergraduate students in plastic and visual expression courses, using the dystopian genre as an educational tool to analyze contemporary issues from an inclusive perspective. This methodology focused on creating dystopian narratives that delve into the causes and impacts of current problems, highlighting those affecting vulnerable groups and promoting inclusion and diversity in the creative process. The students wrote brief texts describing future societies where a current problem is amplified to dystopian proportions. This exercise fostered creativity and allowed students to apply their theoretical understanding to hypothetical scenarios, critically reflecting on contemporary social and political trends with an inclusive focus. The narratives detailed significant changes in society and the environment, and how these affect daily life, especially for marginalized groups. Additionally, the students identified and developed elements of social criticism in their stories, articulating how their dystopias critique the inequalities and exclusions of the current world. They then condensed their stories into clear and concise synopses, which served as the basis for the next phase of the project. With the support of artificial intelligence, these texts were transformed into visual images and animations, exploring new forms of inclusive expression. This multidisciplinary approach enriched the students’ educational experience, resulting in a final cinematic product that visually encapsulates the concerns and critiques expressed in their dystopian narratives, promoting dialogue on how to build a more inclusive culture through art and creativity.

Presenters

Paula Gil Ruiz
Professor, Universidad CES Don Bosco affiliated with Complutense University of Madrid, Artistic, Physical, and Musical Expression, CES Don Bosco, Spain

Victoria Martínez Verez
Professor, Department of Musical, Plastic, and Physical Expression, University of Valladolid, Palencia, Spain

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2025 Special Focus: Human Learning and Machine Learning—Challenges and Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence in Education.

KEYWORDS

Inclusive Culture, Dystopian Narratives, Creative Expression, Social Critique, Artificial Intelligence