Be Part of a Unique Light Art Project
Exploring Deepfakes and AI

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is DUPLICATION?

DUPLICATION is a participatory digital artwork exploring identity, deepfakes, facial recognition and the ways our images, voices and personal data can be captured, copied and manipulated.

The finished artwork will combine filmed portraits, photography, sound and point-cloud imagery in a large-scale projected installation.

The artwork explores the research led by Lancaster University by the FACTOR group and the NIGHTINGALE LAB.

 

This artwork has been supported by the PBIAA CyberFocus project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) [Grant No. EP/Z536052/1]

 

Who can take part?

We are inviting people who live, work, study or have a connection to Lancaster and the surrounding area.

No previous filming or performance experience is required.

 

Can children or young people take part?

Children from 16+ can participate.

Anyone under the age of 18 will need written permission from a parent or legal guardian. A parent or guardian will need to attend the appointment and sign the consent form.

 

When and where is the filming taking place?

Filming will take place on Wednesday 29 July at The Storey, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

You will be able to select an available time slot through this form.

 

How long will it take?

Each appointment should take approximately 10 minutes.

Please arrive a few minutes before your allocated time so we can keep the sessions running smoothly.

 

What happens if I am late?

We will do our best to accommodate you, but appointments are scheduled closely together.

 

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to sit in front of a film camera for a short portrait, looking directly into the lens.

We will also take several photographs of your head from different angles, including the front, sides and back. These images will help us create a digital version of your head.

You will also be invited to speak a short sentence for the sound element of the artwork. 

Full instructions will be provided on the day.

 

Do I need to prepare anything?

No preparation is required, but please wear a dark, black or plain top for the filming.

Please avoid large logos, bold patterns, bright colours and reflective clothing or accessories, as these may affect the filmed portrait and digital point-cloud imagery.

 

Will I need to perform or act?

No. This is a simple filmed and photographed portrait. 

You will not be expected to act, memorise anything or perform in front of an audience. The sentence you be asked to recite will be provided on a cue card.

 

What will happen to my image?

Your filmed and photographed portrait may be digitally transformed, repeated, layered, merged or converted into point-cloud imagery.

It may appear individually or as part of a larger collection of faces within the final artwork.

 

Will my image be used to create a real deepfake?

The project explores the technologies and questions surrounding deepfakes and digital manipulation. 

Your material will only be used as part of the artwork, its promotion and project documentation. It will not be sold or knowingly used to impersonate you for commercial, political or deceptive purposes.

Your image, as part of the artwork, may appear in promotional materials for this year’s or a future Light Up Lancaster Festival.

Your image, as part of the artwork, may appear in recorded documentation video, made by Lancaster University as part of their research into public perception of deepfakes.

 

Where will the finished artwork be shown?

The material will be created for a large-scale projected artwork at The Storey in Lancaster and part of Light Up Lancaster 2026 in November.

Selected images or short extracts may also be used to document and promote the project, including on websites, social media and in press or funding materials.?

 

Will I be asked for consent?

Yes. Everyone taking part will be given clear information about how the footage, photographs and sound may be used.

You will be asked to read and sign a participant consent and release form before filming begins. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

 

Can I change my mind?

You can decide not to take part at any point before filming.

After the material has been edited, combined with other portraits or included in the completed artwork, it may no longer be possible to remove your individual contribution. 

 

How will my personal information be stored?

The contact information supplied through this form will only be used to organise your appointment and communicate with you about the project.

Your contact details will be stored separately from the filmed and photographed material and will not be shared publicly.

 

Will my name appear in the artwork?

You will have the option to be acknowledged as a participant in the project credits on the Light Up Lancaster website.

Participants may opt out of this. 

 

Is there a cost to take part?

No. Taking part is completely free.

 

Will I be paid?

This is a voluntary public participation project, so there is no payment for taking part.

 

Is the venue accessible?

The venue is fully accessible. There is a lift from ground level to the first floor, where the filming will take place. 

Please let us know about any access requirements when completing the form. 

We will do our best to make the session comfortable and accessible.

 

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a friend, family member, support worker or parent or guardian with you.

Space may be limited, so please let us know in advance where possible.

 

What should I do if I can no longer attend?

Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can release your appointment for someone else.

 

Can I take photographs during the session?

You are welcome to take a few behind-the-scenes photographs where practical, but please check with the project team first, particularly if other participants are present.

 

Who is creating the artwork?

DUPLICATION is being created by NA11, working with participants from Lancaster and the surrounding area.

 

On The Day contact details:

You can reach us BY email:  [email protected]

 

How do I sign up?

Please complete this short form HERE

 

 

Thank you!