Calgary Public Library announced that it is looking to hire an artist who uses artificial intelligence (AI) ethically, but local creators question whether that’s possible and why the library would want it.
In an Instagram post on Feb. 27, the library shared that it was accepting applications for a new role as part of its creatives-in-residence program, titled Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Artist, which would run from June 29 to Sept. 4 and pay up to $8,000.
Open to all types of artists, the job is specifically geared toward those “who use AI ethically as a collaborative partner in their creative process,” read the post.
The post has since garnered hundreds of comments, most from local creatives warning against the library continuing this course of action and sharing the link to a petition against the Calgary Central Library, which has received almost 1,300 signatures.
As the pushback against the position has grown, the library has responded to several comments, clarifying that the use of AI in art is permitted under the library’s policy and that doing so would not pose a concern for data privacy or copyright laws.
In an email statement, the CPL said that the position is intended to help improve Calgarians’ understanding of AI, not to replace existing artists and their work.
Namely, the program is expected to “explore the questions this technology raises in relation to creativity and art, using AI responsibly and ethically as part of their process,” read the statement.
“The Library appreciates the opportunity to explore these important questions and remains committed to supporting creativity, intellectual freedom, and shared learning.”
However, local artists have reached a consensus that there is no place for AI in art, and that, for their own library to be in support of this, regardless of their intentions, feels like a step in the wrong direction.
“Using AI in any way to create ‘art’ is still stealing from real artists, no matter how many regulations you put around it,” read a comment by user @luna._.leo.
Artists push back against announcement
Serena Williamson, 23, has lived in Calgary for almost five years and describes herself as a multi-disciplinary artist who works mainly as an illustrator. Since graduating from the Alberta University of the Arts last year, she’s found work freelancing and selling stickers and prints.
Williamson said that seeing the library’s post “felt like a bit of a slap in the face.”
“We, as artists, are very painfully aware of how prevalent generative AI, especially, has been because it’s just so easy to use now,” she said.
Even though the easy-to-use framework for generative AI platforms like ChatGPT or Gemini inevitably means its products will continue to spread, Williamson said that replacing workers is not inevitable but rather an employer’s choice.
In the context of the CPL, she said this made matters even worse, since the library has time and again been supportive of “so many cool residencies.” Williamson wished that the library had consulted local artists for their insights before announcing the position.
“The way that they’re doing this is not the right avenue to go down,” she said.
“If they want to handle this, they need to be super specific and really hold artists accountable, so they’re not doing more harm than good.”
The library has been made aware of the community’s concerns and is expected to review the feedback. Now, the application portal remains open and will stay open until April 7.
Williamson stressed that the announcement has made it ever more important for Calgarians to support the craftsmanship of their local artists.
“It’s been rough being an artist,” she said.
“Support local artists in Calgary, because there are so many good local artists in this city.”
