It’s so difficult to put into words how disheartening it is to see that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (the biggest arts festival in the world) program is filled with AI slop.

We dedicate an immense amount of time working on our graphic design and our ad-copy. Seeing that people have cut corners and had both designed entirely artificially, without so much as a proofread, is awful.

As an audience member, I feel that if an artist has cut corners on their marketing, they probably have with their show too. AI  imaging is obvious and sets false expectations for shows.

I won’t pretend that AI doesn’t have many useful applications, but at a festival dedicated to the arts and creativity, we must draw a clear line against its use for show listings.

I could easily, create 10 new shows, graphics, titles, and marketing materials with the click of a button. I could register those shows, and suddenly (with a bit of capital), I am diluting a pool of productions people have put their lives into, with no effort.

Sign this petition to prevent AI from taking over at the Edinburgh Fringe and to preserve the vibrant, artistic spirit that makes this festival the incredible event it is.