AI Row: Granta Drops Maltese Writer from Commonwealth Prize
AI Row Erupts: Granta Drops Maltese Writer from Commonwealth Prize
In an unexpected turn of events, the prestigious literary magazine Granta has severed ties with the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, following a row sparked by a Maltese writer’s use of artificial intelligence in her work.
From Valletta to the World Stage
Malta’s literary scene, often overshadowed by its Mediterranean neighbours, has been buzzing with the news that local writer, Claire Azzopardi, found herself at the centre of an international literary storm. Azzopardi, a Valletta resident and University of Malta lecturer, had been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize with her AI-assisted story, ‘The Lighthouse Keepers’.
AI in Literature: A New Frontier or a Bridge Too Far?
Granta’s decision to withdraw from the prize comes after a heated debate on the use of AI in literature. Azzopardi’s story, co-written with an AI algorithm, raised questions about originality, creativity, and the very definition of authorship. While some praised the innovative approach, others argued that it undermined the essence of storytelling.
In an interview with Hot Malta, Azzopardi defended her approach, “AI is just another tool, like a pen or a typewriter. It expands our creative possibilities. Why should we fear it?”
However, not everyone shares her enthusiasm. Dr. Joseph Aquilina, a literary critic based in Msida, argues, “AI can’t understand emotion, culture, or human experience. It’s a machine mimicking human creativity, not creating it.”
What Now for AI in Maltese Literature?
The row has sparked a lively debate among Maltese writers and academics. While some see AI as a new frontier, others worry about the potential devaluation of human creativity. The Malta Arts Council, which had initially supported Azzopardi’s nomination, is now hosting public forums to discuss the issue.
Meanwhile, Azzopardi remains undeterred. She’s already working on her next AI-assisted project, a novel set in the atmospheric streets of Rabat. “This is just the beginning,” she says, “AI is here to stay, and so is Maltese literature.”
