We see a lot of hype around AI, especially in the arts; some see it as a threat, while others find exciting opportunities. We aim to cut through the noise by examining this phenomenon from cultural, technological, anthropological, and philosophical viewpoints. Noticing that art, philosophy, and technology are central themes of the REACT conference, we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate and contribute our insights and experiences. We are confident that the panel we propose will be of strong interest to the international cultural community working with artificial intelligence. The three presentations will offer diverse approaches to researching AI in contemporary art practice and heritage preservation, as seen through the lenses of an ArtTech researcher, Anna Shvets, an artist working with traditional media, a painter, Evgeny Merman, and an artist, working with new media, digital artist, Saint Denis. We all represent the AI HOKUSAI ArtTech Research project. AI Hokusai – a radical research and residency initiative which combines the revolutionary pedagogical methods of a Japanese master with cutting-edge tech to explore how AI shapes the future of creativity. The project was inspired by Katsushika Hokusai, renowned for the iconic Wave painting and his algorithmic approach to art education. Our goal is to explore new horizons by blending modern artistic practices with AI, and raising questions about ethics and the role of artists in a society undergoing technological change. In our research, using various methodologies and formats, we examine how AI technology practically supports the contemporary art community and helps preserve the legacy of long-gone masters. We investigate what copyright nuances of AI use by artists need to be considered in individual artistic practices and for society as a whole. Throughout our research, we also observe this technology from the perspectives of accessibility, legal framework, and responsible use. During its year of existence, AI HOKUSAI has reached important milestones. In 2024, we launched an open call for artists to train neural networks based on Hokusai's legacy — followed by another open call for the online residency/laboratory. Eight artists, selected from 400 applicants from 60 countries and working across various media, were chosen to participate. Participants (including Saint Denis, one of the panel speakers) worked with AI text-to-image and video tools, generative sound and motion systems, and hybrid data structures to reinterpret Hokusai’s legacy. Outputs ranged from algorithmic photography to digital performance, data-driven installations, and immersive audiovisual worlds. These works were integrated into a 25 km² virtual environment AI HOKUSAI: Legacy encoded - https://www.aihokusai.art/vr-space. Developed over several months by a global team of curators, artists, researchers and technologists, the exhibition marks the culmination of a hybrid research initiative and experimental online residency. The result is a fully immersive digital experience that brings together tradition and innovation across platforms — accessible via computer, tablet, smartphone or VR headset.