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Committee debates whether city should host Vito’s AI-driven 'Metaphysics of Food' exhibit

Portsmouth Boards & Commissions · July 23, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The committee considered a proposal for a 2027 exhibit by artist Vito combining food-themed art and generative AI; members raised concerns about a ticketed model and recommended exploring private sponsorship or partner venues instead of city sponsorship if admission is charged.

A concept for a 2027 exhibit titled "Metaphysics of Food," presented by the committee, would pair artworks with short AI-generated introductory films across three themes: still life, allegory of the body and surrealism. The presenter (Chair, S1) described a flexible exhibit format with about 20 works, short films and optional programming such as panel talks and workshops.

Members expressed wariness about the financial model and whether a ticketed event is appropriate for a city-sponsored exhibit. "The way that Vito makes his money back from it is it would be a ticketed thing," the Chair said, and members discussed private sponsorship, partnerships with restaurant week and arts organizations, and whether the Parks group should serve as sponsor. Committee members asked to receive Vito’s full written proposal and agreed to resume discussion at a future meeting after reviewing the materials.