YoungArts, an organization dedicated to developing the talents of young artists, has recently allowed the use of generative AI in its Design category. We believe this policy conflicts with YoungArts' mission and values, particularly their vision statement, "A world that embraces artists as vital to our humanity."  

Every year, thousands of teen artists submit their work in hopes of being noticed by YoungArts. What this organization rewards has the ability to impact an entire generation’s perception of artistic excellence. It is therefore the responsibility of a historically renowned organization such as YoungArts to properly guide and support impressionable young artists. However, we believe that in permitting the use of generative AI in a competition meant to celebrate human artistry, YoungArts has unfortunately abdicated that duty.

While there is an ongoing debate on the role of AI tools in creative industries, generative AI has specifically been proven to be detrimental to artists. When this technology is costing artists their livelihoods, we find incredible disappointment that YoungArts is supporting its usage.  This itself inherently undermines artistic integrity by not providing credit to the original artist(s).

If YoungArts truly considers artists to be vital to our humanity, then the labor, pain, and joy of human expression must be fiercely protected from machine-generated content. Young artists spend years honing their skills and developing unique perspectives, and we believe they deserve a platform where their talents are recognized and celebrated for their humanity without competition from AI-generated works.

Moreover, this policy could set a precedent for AI's acceptance in creative spaces.

To preserve the spirit and traditions of YoungArts, we call for the organization to:

• Issue an official statement explaining the adoption of the policy. This must include why the policy was adopted, and how the organization plans to proceed.
• Revoke all endorsement of generative AI in any point of the YoungArts submission process, whether it be during the creation of the piece or within the final artwork.
• Create a strict, clearly stated policy against generative AI.

Such measures would ensure that the organization remains true to its foundational principles. 

Sign this petition today to ensure Youngarts remains an organization that strives to cultivate "a world that embraces artists as vital to our humanity".