Calgary Public Library reviewing feedback opposing AI-focused artist in residence

The Calgary Public Library is reviewing its search for a “creative-in-residence” focused on using artificial intelligence after facing critical feedback, including from the mayor.

The library is looking to host an artist from any discipline to use “AI technology ethically as a collaborative partner” for 10 weeks beginning at the end of June.

That call-out prompted online backlash from some concerned that AI-focused creations pull threads from the work of various, unnamed artists without due credit.

Millicent Mabi, the library’s programming director, said the organization is reviewing the feedback and will use it to aid in future decisions for the library, which is set to include more programming on artificial intelligence and misinformation.

“For this particular residency, we have not made any decision.”

Critics of generative AI argue it pirates from creators, while proponents say it doesn’t infringe on copyright.

When asked about issues of piracy, Mabi said the prospective artist would be responsible for ensuring they have the rights to create and share work developed during the residency.

“On its own part, the library, in keeping with its policies, will ensure safeguarding data privacy, security, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations,” Mabi said.

With the growing prevalence of the new technology, Mabi said, there’s a need to keep pace and learn more about it.

“New technologies have long influenced and informed artistic practice and the same can be said for AI,” the posting reads.

t says the creative-in-residence could receive up to $8,000 over the 10 weeks.

Stephanie Hanna, owner of the Market Collective, a Calgary organization that supports arts and culture, said she was “shocked” by the library’s call-out.

Hanna said she believes the money could be better spent in the local art scene, which faces dwindling funding, rather than on art made with artificial intelligence, which she’s concerned is “ripping off of artists’ work.”

“I don’t believe there’s a place for the creation of artworks that can be made by artificial intelligence,” said Hanna.

‘Artificial intelligence collects its knowledge, from what I understand, from existing works that people have made. So there’s tons of ethical concerns with it.”

Speaking at an unrelated news conference Monday, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said he supports the local arts scene and that the library’s search for an AI-artist “sets a bad precedent.”

He said he would be talking with the library and its board about the decision.

“You don’t need ChatGPT to tell you why that’s a bad idea,” Farkas said