AI diminishes the work of actual artists and creators
Shetland Arts and Crafts Association have just hosted their annual Christmas Craft Fair at Clickimin. Allowing local artists and craftspeople to showcase their work. It was inspiring to see the original works of Janet Nisbet, Nina Price, Heather Wilson and jewellery from Connie Laureen and Yala Jewellery, to name a few.
But it was deeply disappointing and a source of vicarious embarrassment to see AI [artificial intelligence] products being sold (at a literal arts and crafts fair), as well as the use of AI posters. Diminishing the work of actual artists and creators, and degrading the credibility of the event.
What was even worse, was to see AI posters being used by the association for several posters including the raffle.
I call on the Shetland Arts and Crafts Association to ban the use of AI at all future arts and crafts fairs in Shetland, to preserve their own integrity. Using something which is literally threatening the industry they represent, is just like the old saying, ‘turkeys voting for Christmas’.
Not only does this affect genuine artists and craftspeople, but it is unfair on consumers who have paid to enter the event to have to distinguish between AI slop and real arts and crafts (although most of the time that isn’t very difficult). On top of that, there is also the very real environmental impacts of data centres and ethical implications of AI stealing art from other artists. Plus the millions of jobs at already lost and many more at risk.
The use of AI posters is destroying the graphic design industry, skills which we should cherish. Much of our economy is built on arts and culture and it is under threat from businesses and organisations using AI. It is now becoming a wider issue across Shetland, with several local businesses now using AI posters for advertising menus and events, and it needs to be called out.
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Thankfully, there is a growing movement to boycott businesses and events which use AI artwork, which I wholeheartedly support and champion. So not only are they harming art industries, but they’re also harming their own businesses. A note to these businesses, if I see an AI content banner on your Facebook posts, I’m scrolling past and not even reading it, and I can guarantee I’m not the only one.
I’ve heard every excuse and none of them are valid, it’s just purely laziness. There are several top Shetland restaurants which have disappointingly started using it, much to my surprise. A picture of a handwritten note is far more impactful than an AI slop poster. I can only commend the likes of The Thule and St Magnus Bay Hotel who have taken notable stances against AI advertising.
And to the Shetland public, if you actually care about real artists and craftspeople, please consider boycotting events and businesses using AI posters and artwork. It’s the only way they will learn. It’s time businesses and organisations in Shetland get the reality check, that AI is not the future of promoting themselves, and will do more harm than good.
Is it casual now?
Kayleigh Rose
Lerwick
The Shetland Arts and Crafts Association said in response to concerns about AI that it would need to discuss its use among members and “work out the best way forward”. Read more about its response here.
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