Shreveport Regional Arts Council issues statement after huge backlash against use of generative AI

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – The Shreveport Area Arts Council is facing backlash from its active artist community over its alleged use of generative AI.

The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) is facing backlash from the community it serves after it reportedly used AI to generate some images for a holiday event.

The mission of the Shreveport Area Arts Council is to develop, cultivate, produce, present, promote, engage, and educate the citizens of Northwest Louisiana about the arts. Their actions over the past seven days have been of no use. By limiting, suppressing, and ignoring their people, they have communicated more with their actions than their words. The use of generative AI essentially destroys art. It is drawn from a database of photographers, graphic designers, painters, and subjects who have not consented to their work. I would like to formally request that the Arts Council address this issue appropriately and promptly. They did something interesting. They inadvertently brought together local artists of all types and mediums to share their disappointment. I’m not speaking as a graphic designer or marketing expert. I speak as a local artist, as a parent who may have attended these events, and as a member of the community who should look to the Arts Council for guidance. Please try harder.

Many artists have commented on SRAC’s posts, and some have even given them negative reviews on sites like Google.

Add First Aware first alerts to your schedule. ksla.com - KSLA 12 News App - Android TV - Amazon...

Artists also began reporting being blocked from accessing the city council’s Facebook page.

SRAC issued a statement on the matter on Tuesday (December 2) evening. The statement reads:

“The Shreveport Regional Arts Council has made some big changes this year, including the Levitt Amp Music Series bringing free concerts to Shreveport in 2026, national recognition of ArtBreak student honorees, programming at Caddo Common Park, and art spaces. While we strive to promote numerous events, including Joyful Holidays featuring Glitter Kittens, some recent social media posts have slipped through our promotional review process. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

We agree that we need to have a deeper conversation about the use of AI. Please join us for future conversations after the holidays.

Sincerely,

Sandy, Henry, Rebecca, SRAC Board and Staff.”

Source link