Development and application of artificial intelligence in the field of art education

This paper explores the specific features of artificial intelligence (AI) usage in the field of art education, with a focus on a comparative analysis of the experiences of China and Kyrgyzstan. The study employed a comparative analysis of academic discourse on AI, along with thematic analysis of interviews with lecturers from faculties of art and design in higher education institutions in China (n=2) and the Kyrgyz Republic (n=2). The primary emphasis was placed on the benefits, challenges, and prospects of AI use in the training of art designers. The research included an analysis of ten popular AI-based tools, such as DALL-E, MidJourney, Adobe Firefly, and Gradescope. The inclusion of interview methods enabled the identification of differences in approaches to AI use in the educational institutions of the two countries. The study’s findings confirm the significant potential of AI in personalising learning, optimising the educational process, and enhancing graduates' competitiveness in the labour market. At the same time, key obstacles were identified: limited awareness among lecturers, high costs of AI-based tools, as well as ethical and legal issues. Particular attention is paid to the differing levels of readiness in China and Kyrgyzstan for AI integration in their educational systems. The paper offers recommendations for effective implementation, including raising awareness, government support, and the development of international cooperation. The proposed four-step model of AI adoption was developed to support systematic implementation in higher education and may be adapted for use in other national contexts. The research highlights the importance of overcoming existing barriers in order to expand the application of AI in art education