Local artists decry Calgary Public Library residency program that uses AI in artwork

The Calgary Public Library is facing backlash after asking artists to apply to a residency program for art that uses artificial intelligence.

The Calgary Public Library (CPL) is facing backlash from many in the city’s art community after it asked artists to apply for a new residency program — but only if their work used artificial intelligence.

But while local artists cried afoul over the initiative late last month — citing environmental and ethical concerns — the library says the program is an invitation for broader conversations about the technology.

Charles Agopsowicz, a graphic designer who for more than 20 years has drawn comics and illustrations focussed on ghost towns in Alberta, says seeing the CPL encourage artists to use AI in their work has left him and others feeling disillusioned.

“That post was very disheartening, very demoralizing,” said Agopsowicz.

“It doesn’t, to me, fit the mandate of what I’d expect from my public institutions.”

The library says it’s seeking a local artist who uses AI ethically as a tool, collaborator or in the creation of original work. The chosen artist will spend 10 weeks in residence at CPL and will be compensated $50 per hour up to a maximum of $8,000.

The library says the residence is an opportunity to learn how AI intersects with creativity and the arts community as there are many perspectives on the technology.

“We’re hoping to learn what this means for the creativity and art community,” said Millicent Mabi, programming director at CPL.

But Agopsowicz says that “AI by its definition seeks to remove the artist completely from the art.” For him, AI is an unethical way to create art and the money should be spent on authentic work.

“We have a lot of artists, especially, you know, younger artists as well coming up are seeing opportunities being more and more rare,” Agopsowicz said.

Mabi noted the library does have other programming planned for other parts of the year to roll out, including a residency on misinformation.

While the library is defending the proposal, Calgary’s mayor shares the concerns from the artistic community.

“You don’t need (Chat)GPT to tell you why that’s a bad idea,” said Jeromy Farkas.

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me why we would be going down that direction. And it was the first I learned of it this morning. But I think it’s a terrible idea. It sets a bad precedent. I’ll be asking some questions of the Calgary Public Library and their board.”

An artist will be chosen in the middle of next month, with submissions open until April 7.

The residency runs from June 29 until Sept. 4.