We, the undersigned, call on event organisers to take a clear and public stance against the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in creative, commercial, and promotional work presented at their events.

Artists, writers, performers, designers, makers, and independent vendors have been the foundation of conventions, festivals, markets, and cultural events. These events exist because of human creativity, skill, labour, and community. We have put years into building the very spaces that generative AI now threatens to undermine. We believe that creators who helped establish and sustain these events are owed active support and protection from the organisers who profit from their work.

Events of note:

MCM ComicCon, Showmasters Events, Monopoly Events, FantasyForest, Insomnia Gaming Festival. As leading, highly attended events with a large creative background, we call on you to recognise our concerns.

Our Demand

At a minimum, we demand that any artist, vendor, exhibitor, stall holder, or performer who uses generative AI in any capacity be required to clearly and explicitly disclose this use. This disclosure must be unavoidable and unambiguous.

 

What Disclosure Must Include

Clear, plain-language statements such as:

“This work uses generative AI” or “AI-generated content.”

 

Disclosure must appear on:

Stall or exhibit signage

Program listings, catalogues, and maps

Product labels or pricing displays

Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials.

Vague or misleading language (e.g. “AI-assisted,” “digital tools,” “innovative technology”) is not acceptable.

 

Why This Is Necessary

Generative AI systems are built on the stolen work of artists.

AI-generated output competes unfairly with skilled human labour, providing quick, low quality output at the detriment of the environment.

People attend these events to enjoy real human creativity. Many people are unable to see the difference between genuine art and ai generated images.

 

Our Position

We believe event organisers have a responsibility to:

Prioritise and protect human-made work

Stand with the communities that helped build and support their events.  

Refuse to normalise generative AI as a neutral or harmless tool.

Requiring disclosure is not an endorsement of AI. It is the bare minimum needed to prevent deception and exploitation.

 

Signed,

Artists, creators, vendors, performers, attendees, and supporters of human creativity