North Yorkshire Council is facing significant criticism from local artists following its decision to use AI-generated designs for a new art trail in Scarborough. The 'Scarborough 400' deckchair trail, commissioned as part of the town's 400th-anniversary celebrations, features designs created by an agency that utilised artificial intelligence alongside human input.
Local artists have voiced their 'deep disappointment' over the council's approach, arguing that such projects traditionally provide valuable paid work for the creative community. Adrian Riley, a Scarborough-based artist known for his public art commissions, described the designs as 'AI slop'. He emphasised that while AI can be found globally, the unique work of local artists offers a compelling reason for tourists to visit Scarborough, contributing to its distinct cultural identity.
Hannah Grahamslaw, a 25-year-old illustrator whose work often promotes Scarborough, highlighted the direct impact on her livelihood. She stated that the deckchair project is precisely the kind of commission she would have expected to undertake and be compensated for just six months ago. Beyond personal employment, Grahamslaw raised broader ethical concerns, describing AI 'art' as being 'stolen' from the creations of real artists. She also cited environmental damage and job displacement as major issues associated with the technology, suggesting that without human artists, North Yorkshire would be a 'dull and grey place'.
In response to the backlash, Nic Harne, the council's corporate director for community development, defended the temporary nature of the installation. He affirmed the council's ongoing support for local artists through various cultural programmes and initiatives across North Yorkshire. Harne noted that the deckchair trail is a temporary fixture for the 400th-anniversary events and its success would be reviewed once the programme concludes. However, he acknowledged the positive public reaction could lead to similar future projects.
Looking ahead, Harne indicated that if a more permanent art trail were to be developed, the council would actively welcome input from Scarborough's artists and the wider creative sector. This suggestion offers a potential olive branch to the local artistic community, who are keen to see their talents recognised and utilised in projects that celebrate the town's heritage and appeal.