Searching for surprise

Inspired by the notion of surprise for unconventional discovery in computational creativity, we introduce a general search algorithm we name surprise search. Surprise search is grounded in the divergent search paradigm and is fabricated within the principles of metaheuristic (evolutionary) search. The algorithm mimics the self-surprise cognitive process of creativity and equips computational creators with the ability to search for outcomes that deviate from the algorithm’s expected behavior. The predictive model of expected outcomes is based on historical trails of where the search has been and some local information about the search space. We showcase the basic steps of the algorithm via a problem solving (maze navigation) and a generative art task. What distinguishes surprise search from other forms of divergent search, such as the search for novelty, is its ability to diverge not from earlier and seen outcomes but rather from predicted and unseen points in the creative domain considered.This work has been supported in part by the FP7 Marie Curie CIG project AutoGameDesign (project no: 630665).peer-reviewe

Text-based LSTM networks for Automatic Music Composition

In this paper, we introduce new methods and discuss results of text-based LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) networks for automatic music composition. The proposed network is designed to learn relationships within text documents that represent chord progressions and drum tracks in two case studies. In the experiments, word-RNNs (Recurrent Neural Networks) show good results for both cases, while character-based RNNs (char-RNNs) only succeed to learn chord progressions. The proposed system can be used for fully automatic composition or as semi-automatic systems that help humans to compose music by controlling a diversity parameter of the model

Sonancia : sonification of procedurally generated game levels

How can creative elements brought from level design effectively be coupled with audio in order to create tense and engaging player experiences? In this paper the above question is posed through the sonification of procedurally generated digital game levels. The paper details some initial approaches and methodologies for achieving this core aim.The research is supported, in part, by the FP7 ICT project C2Learn (project no: 318480) and the FP7 Marie Curie CIG project AutoGameDesign (project no: 630665).peer-reviewe

Transforming exploratory creativity with DeLeNoX

We introduce DeLeNoX (Deep Learning Novelty Explorer), a system that autonomously creates artifacts in constrained spaces according to its own evolving interestingness criterion. DeLeNoX proceeds in alternating phases of exploration and transformation. In the exploration phases, a version of novelty search augmented with constraint handling searches for maximally diverse artifacts using a given distance function. In the transformation phases, a deep learning autoencoder learns to compress the variation between the found artifacts into a lower-dimensional space. The newly trained encoder is then used as the basis for a new distance function, transforming the criteria for the next exploration phase. In the current paper, we apply DeLeNoX to the creation of spaceships suitable for use in two-dimensional arcade-style computer games, a representative problem in procedural content generation in games. We also situate DeLeNoX in relation to the distinction between exploratory and transformational creativity, and in relation to Schmidhuber’s theory of creativity through the drive for compression progress.peer-reviewe

Creative Assets and Program Content Guide: To Build Social and Emotional Learning and Promote Trauma Mitigation and Healing

In 2016, the Adolescent Girl and Creativity Network was commissioned by the Population Council’s Community of Practice to utilize their wealth of knowledge and field experience to critically examine, adapt, and expand the Council’s Building Assets Toolkit© and complementary Asset Exercise. The question explored was: What are the essential assets pertinent to the most-at-risk girls and how can they be built through creative techniques/activities? This guide is the result of that activity—13 creative assets and 50 activities (program content) to build social and emotional learning, mitigate and manage trauma, and promote healing. The 50 creative program content activities to build the 13 creative assets are described in detail. Multiple activities can build each asset

Creativity for Change (FA21.C)

Creativity for Change sought to spark excitement about education in children of all backgrounds by promoting greater access to local educational opportunities. In particular, we partnered with the Lewisburg’s Children\u27s Museum and their Count Me In Program, which is dedicated to allowing discounted or free admission to the museum for children and families in need. Our company created and managed two events on what the Museum calls “ex-STREAM Saturdays”: the activities centered on science, technology, robotics, engineering, art, and mathematics. As a way for Creativity for Change to leave a long-lasting impact on the Museum, we also customized a Bucknell-themed bookshelf, made Lewisburg Children’s Museum pillows, and purchased a beanbag chair and a rug to furnish a cozy reading corner in the Museum where kids can spark their imagination and curiosity through books. In addition to our service work, we held multiple fundraising events to benefit the Count Me In Program. We held two “Paint Nights”: For a participation fee, budding artists were guided in creating paintings of sunset over the Bertrand Library tower by one of our artistically talented company members. Local Market Street restaurants sweetFrog and Pizza Phi provided us with a percentage of their sales on a night when we promoted their restaurant. Donors learned about and gave money to our cause by playing Instagram Bingo. And we set up a Givebutter page that allowed for additional online donations. In total we were able to raise $5,961.87 for the Count Me In Program. Creativity for Change is proud of the work, and fully believes that we left a positive impact on our local community, allowing for children from all backgrounds to prosper through the invaluable educational opportunities offered by the Lewisburg Children’s Museum