Art as Resistance: Creativity, Censorship, and Survival in the Age of AI and Authoritarianism

Art: Creative Resistance in the Age of AI and Authoritarianism

In 2025, we are caught between two eras—one foot in the future and one in the past. Artificial Intelligence, especially generative AI like ChatGPT, has become a common tool across workplaces, schools, and even the arts. What once seemed like science fiction—the promise of robots taking over menial tasks or the fear of unchecked technology destroying society—is unfolding before us. The question remains: should we be amazed or alarmed?

Online artist communities are divided. Some argue AI steals the work of human artists, while others embrace AI as a collaborative partner. Historic examples of technology-enhanced art, such as Paul Sermon’s “Telematic Dreaming” and David Rokeby’s interactive “Very Nervous System”, show how technology can expand artistic expression. However, concerns about plagiarism and copyright infringement are real. American cartoonist Sarah Andersen shared how extremist groups manipulated her work with hateful imagery, a problem now amplified by AI image generators.

Meanwhile, the political climate in the United States is regressing. Immigrant detention has become inhumane, and decades of human rights gains are being rolled back. Executive orders have slashed arts funding and imposed strict guidelines, removing programs focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity. This narrowing of acceptable artistic themes threatens creative freedom.

Denver art curator Cristina Aguilar highlights the role of art as a mirror for the present, grounding us in reality. Her work, including the exhibit “Divine Rest Nests” at The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, centers on reproductive and healing justice and collective liberation. Aguilar is wary of how AI-generated images might co-opt BIPOC artists’ styles without proper acknowledgment—a common issue in mainstream media.

“Artists build on each other’s work all the time,” Aguilar says, “but with AI, we need to ask how to do this ethically and responsibly.” The competition between human and AI artists is intensifying, especially as tech leaders predict AI will soon outperform many human creative roles. Sam Altman of OpenAI noted that creative fields will be impacted first, followed by cognitive and physical labor. Emad Mostaque of Stability AI suggested AI could drastically reduce art and design costs in industries like video games, benefiting corporate margins.

For Aguilar, fair payment and credit are essential to respecting artists, especially those from marginalized communities whose work has historically been undervalued and appropriated.

Arts funding cuts are severe. On May 3rd, over 560 grants from the National Endowment for the Arts were canceled, totaling more than $27 million. Organizations like Springboard for the Arts were told their projects no longer align with federal priorities. Aguilar describes this as a rapid slide toward fascism, where those in power seek to silence resistance through art. Rooted in her family’s history of Mexican healers and activism, Aguilar is focused on protecting artists and nurturing spaces that center justice, care, and liberation.

Her community is engaged in difficult conversations about balancing protection with artistic freedom, avoiding censorship while holding onto core values. “Artists have always been truth tellers,” she says. In an environment where truth is often suppressed by state power, Aguilar draws strength from her lineage of revolutionaries and abolitionists.

The current social landscape is harsh. Xenophobia is enforced by the state, immigrant raids echo past atrocities, and healthcare and rights for marginalized groups are under attack. Internationally, the U.S. government’s role in conflict zones adds to global suffering. Amid this grief, art becomes vital—not just as expression, but as a means to process emotion and inspire action. This requires community and shared experience.

Aguilar’s exhibits offer sanctuary, healing, and a connection to what grounds us. They remind us that progress involves integrating new realities while honoring existing histories. The legacy of resistance is as old as bigotry itself. Through art, we can envision and build worlds centered on care, equity, and the elevation of marginalized voices.

Despite the weight of grief, joy persists. A squirrel tossing a leaf in Aguilar’s face during an interview serves as a playful reminder: sorrow and laughter can coexist.

Arts organizations continue to fight for survival. Groups like The Creative Coalition advocate for funding on Capitol Hill, while the American Civil Liberties Union challenges restrictive policies on behalf of arts groups. Supporting the arts is more critical than ever.

Upcoming Arts Events to Support and Experience

• Hecho en Arte: Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla summer workshops (July 28 – August 1) A free intensive bringing youth together with photographers Manuel Aragon, Miguel Ortega, and Dan Taylor to explore photography as storytelling and cultural preservation. Held at Hecho in Westwood.
• Saigon Azteca Night Market (August 8 – 9) A two-day celebration of Asian and Latinx cultures through performances, food, vendors, and family activities in Westwood.
• Boulder Fine Art Street Festival (July 26 – 27) Showcasing local and national artists and crafters in an outdoor setting.
• Arts in the Park (Through August 3) Cultural performances at Glen Huntington Band Shell, featuring local talent and groups like Boulder Ballet and Boulder Symphony.
• SMASH Summer Fine Arts Festival (August 9 – 10) Hosted in Fillmore Plaza, Cherry Creek North District, featuring art and culture in a premium venue.
• Colorado Shakespeare Festival (Through August 10) Professional theatre performed in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and Roe Green Theatre at the University of Colorado Boulder.
• Bravo! Vail Music Festival (Through July 31) Featuring the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Dallas Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and renowned guest conductors.
• Vail Dance Fest (July 26 – August 8) Performances by national ballet companies including Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and Paul Taylor Dance Company.
• Evergreen Jazz Festival (July 25 – 27) International jazz bands in the Colorado mountains.
• RockyGrass (July 25 – 27) Traditional bluegrass festival in Lyons, Colorado, set among red rock cliffs and river views.
• Underground Music Showcase (July 25 – 27) Celebrating 25 years with over 200 shows across 12+ venues.
• Cheeseman Park Art Fest (July 26 – 27) Over 150 juried artists and craftsmen from 30 states showcase pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, and glass art in Denver’s historic Cheesman Park.
• Opera in the Park Boulder (Through August 8) Open-air concert featuring Italian opera and American classics at Boulder Bandshell.
• Sculpture in the Park (August 8 – 10) The 41st annual show and sale at Benson Sculpture Garden hosted by Loveland High Plains Arts Council.
• Affordable Art Fest (August 24) Artwork valued at thousands priced at $150 or less, showcasing over 160 national artists.
• Little Dry Creek Plaza installation (Through October) Outdoor installation by Cal Duran, Val Ponce, and Sammiotzi Hutch.
• Oracle at Union Hall (Through July 26) An experiential exhibit inviting visitors to engage with art as oracular tools featuring six female Colorado-based artists.
• Melissa Furness at K Contemporary Gallery (Through August 24; artist roundtable August 9) Conceptual paintings exploring history, power, and personal narratives.
• Nightburn at Leon Gallery (Through July 26) Myth-inspired work blending western iconography and feminine power by Daphne Sweet.
• Blue on You at Lane Meyer Projects (Through August 18) Tribute exhibit by Rick C Riggins in memory of his mother.

For creatives looking to expand their skills with AI tools, training is available at Complete AI Training. Understanding how to ethically and effectively integrate AI into your creative process can help you stay ahead in this rapidly shifting landscape.