'Kind of surprising': Artist questions Truro business group's use of AI for merchandise

'Kind of surprising': Artist questions Truro business group's use of AI for merchandise

Downtown Truro Partnership used technology to create artwork for buskerfest tote bag

A local artist says she is surprised that a Truro, N.S., business association used artificial intelligence to design merchandise for a recent community festival.

The Downtown Truro Partnership used AI to create the artwork featured on a tote bag sold for $25 at the Truro Buskerfest, an event organized by the partnership on July 10-11.

Alicia Simms Breland, CEO of Rolling Sea Tattooery in nearby Millbrook, N.S., said there were few indicators on the merchandise to suggest the design wasn't created by a local artist.

"I wasn't the only one to notice and kind of question [it]," Simms Breland said.

"We're a very arts-forward community. It was, I guess, kind of surprising that that would be the direction that they took with it."

Partnership cites limited resources

When asked by CBC News, the non-profit business organization confirmed AI was used as part of the design process.

In an emailed statement, the partnership said it is always looking for "responsible ways to test new initiatives" while making the most of limited resources.

"The tote bags are intended as a fun keepsake for Buskerfest attendees, and we’re simply gauging community interest," the statement said.

Simms Breland said she understands smaller organizations face budgetary constraints and may not have the financial resources to be able to pay an artist. However, she suggested the association could find alternative ways to support the local arts scene, such as launching a contest for younger artists.

"So could it be a portion of the proceeds sold could go towards an artist as a kind of incentive thing like that?" she said.

"But it's definitely a sticky situation no matter how you look at it, from the economy being what it is and not being able to pay people what they're worth and trying to make the most of what you can in between."

Simms Breland noted that AI generative technology is becoming more prevalent, prompting some consumers to boycott businesses, products or events that use the technology in place of artists and writers.

The statement from the Downtown Truro Partnership said it would explore "a variety of creative approaches" for merchandise in the future, including collaborating with local artists.

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Luke Ettinger is a reporter with CBC News based in Truro, N.S. Reach him at luke.ettinger@cbc.ca.