Calgary creatives push back on library's new AI artist-in-residence
Calgary Public Library announced a new creatives-in-residence role: Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Artist, running June 29 to Sept. 4 with compensation up to $8,000. The position calls for artists "who use AI ethically as a collaborative partner in their creative process."
The response from local creators was swift. The Instagram announcement drew hundreds of critical comments and a petition tallying close to 1,300 signatures urging the library to cancel or rethink the program.
CPL has replied to commenters, stating that using AI in art is allowed under its policy and does not raise data privacy or copyright issues. In a statement, the library said the role is meant to help the public learn about AI in creative work and "explore the questions this technology raises," not replace artists.
Many Calgary artists disagree. One common sentiment: "Using AI in any way to create 'art' is still stealing from real artists, no matter how many regulations you put around it," wrote user @luna._.leo.
Why it matters for working artists
Illustrator and multi-disciplinary artist Serena Williamson said the post "felt like a bit of a slap in the face." She noted that generative AI is easy to use and widely available, but replacing creative workers is still a choice made by institutions and employers.
Williamson said the library has historically supported strong residencies, which made the move more frustrating. She wished CPL had consulted local artists before announcing the role and urged tighter guidelines that hold any selected artist accountable for how AI is used.
The library has acknowledged community feedback and is reviewing comments. Applications remain open until April 7.
Williamson also called for renewed community support: buy from local artists, hire them for gigs, and keep human craftsmanship front and center.
Practical next steps for creatives
- Engage with the process: share feedback directly with CPL in writing, ask for public forums, and request clarity on review criteria for "ethical" AI use.
- Protect your work: add clear terms to contracts that require disclosure of AI use, a warranty of originality, and responsibility for any copyright issues.
- Ask the right questions: if an institution promotes AI art, request transparency on datasets, licensing, opt-in/opt-out policies, and storage of prompts or source files.
- Document provenance: keep work-in-progress files, timestamps, sketches, and live process videos. Proof-of-work helps with trust and client education.
- Know the law-in-progress: AI and copyright rules are evolving. Start with the U.S. Copyright Office's AI guidance and track Canadian updates from credible legal sources.
- If you experiment with AI, set a standard: use tools tied to licensed or artist-consented data, keep an audit trail of prompts and sources, and disclose usage to clients.
For creatives who want structured resources on technique and ethics in AI-assisted visuals, see Generative Art.
The takeaway
This isn't just a library residency. It's a test of where institutions stand on authorship, consent, and compensation. If you're a working creative, speak up, protect your practice, and keep building undeniable value in your process and results.
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