Starting this June, the Calgary Central Library will begin paying $50 an hour for the position of "AI Collaborative Artist" to "explore how AI workflows can contribute to the creative process."

   The problem: we already know how Generative AI effects creativity.

   The release of generative AI technology in the last several years is a cataclysm threatening the erasure of artistic livelihoods, mental health, and the creative act itself. For an institution that purports to support human creativity, the deployment of AI in an "arts residency" prematurely legitimizes the replacement of human artists in favour of a technology that explicitly is designed to replace them. 

   In response to the mounting pressure from local artists, arts organizations, and their own former Artists in Residence from past programs, the Library's response has ranged from impassive to dismissive. Their official response ignores the legitimate concerns of artists as they share the myriad of reasons they oppose promoting AI as merely an artistic "tool"; in effect, they are telling the very people with a frontline experience of the impact of AI adoption - lost income, depression, and theft of intellectual property - to "sit down and shut up."  

Read about the Artistic Response Here: CTV News Article "Local Artists Decry Residency Program the Incorporates AI

This position is meant to give voice to everyone, artists and arts admirers, who have moral qualms about the adoption of AI in a creative arts residency. Whether you resist it due to AI's impact on the environment, theft of intellectual property, displacement of human labour, privacy concerns, and/or the invasion of the most human act by tech monopolies (and many many more downsides implicit in the reckless adoption of this emergent technology) this petition is for you to express  your disappointment that this bastion of truth is callously laundering Artificial Intelligence as Real Creativity.

Where the Calgary Library claims to be interested in learning about the impact of AI on the arts, they are shutting down all critique, condemnation, and experiences from the artist community.

Through this petition we are demanding that the Library halt this program until they conduct thorough consultation with the Calgary arts community and their funding sources.  

STOCK RESPONSE FROM THE LIBRARY TO E-MAILS:

"The library anticipated feedback about this program, and has prepared the following information:

About the Artificial Intelligence Collaborative (AIC) Artist in Residence
Calgary Public Library has issued a call for 2026 Creative in Resident – AI Collaborative Artist. This 10-week residency will feature an artist working in any discipline that utilizes AI technology ethically as a collaborative partner in artistic creation and expression.
The AIC Artist in Residence will provide public services including advice and support on the role and possible uses of Artificial Intelligence in the conception and creation of original artwork for interested Calgarians. The Resident will also promote public awareness and processes involved in working with Artificial Intelligence capabilities in an art practice. Visit our website for the Call for Applicants.
The Creatives in Residence program is a flexible residency that allows different types of creative professionals to share their expertise with Library patrons. The residents share knowledge that is often otherwise underrepresented in our communities.

Why is the Library doing this residency?
As AI becomes more prevalent in our community, there is an emerging public need to help Calgarians understand and navigate the opportunities and challenges that AI presents. This residency will work with an artist with a local connection to explore and collaborate with AI to support shared learning and expression.

Why is the Library supporting AI instead of paying a human artist?
This residency is eligible for a human artist with a connection to Calgary and a commitment to supporting Calgary’s arts community. The Resident has access to a designated office on the 4th floor of the Central Library and will engage with the public through online and in-person programs such as one-on-one consultations, workshops, school group tours, and live performances.   

AI is a controversial topic. How can it be used ethically to create art?
In keeping with the Library’s policies, this residency will allow the utilization of AI while safeguarding data privacy, security, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It is the responsibility of the artist to ensure they have the rights to create and share the work they develop as part of their residencies."