Bristol, UK council’s AI art on creative course guides sparks artist backlash

Bristol City Council sparked controversy after using AI-generated artwork on the cover of a course guide promoting adult creative learning classes, with local designers arguing the decision undermines the very skills being taught. The backlash highlights growing tensions between cost-cutting AI adoption and preserving opportunities for human creative professionals.

What happened: Bristol City Council distributed 72,000 course guides in July featuring an AI-generated cover image to promote adult learning workshops, including creative classes.

• Illustrator Adam Birch complained that using AI to promote creative workshops “devalues” the classes being advertised.
• The AI-generated cover contained telltale errors, including a figure with only four fingers and seven toes—common mistakes that reveal AI creation.
• Council leader Tony Dyer acknowledged the concerns and said the council is updating its AI guidance policies.

Why this matters: The incident reflects broader industry tensions as organizations increasingly turn to AI for cost savings while potentially eliminating opportunities for the creative professionals they claim to support.

• Artists worry about job displacement, particularly for young graduates trying to enter the creative industry.
• The controversy underscores the irony of using AI to promote human creativity training, sending mixed messages about the value of traditional artistic skills.

What they’re saying: Creative professionals expressed frustration with the mixed messaging and economic pressure to adopt AI tools.

• “Why learn these [creative] skills if, right on the face of the book, you’re devaluing the use of it?” Birch questioned.
• Luke Oram, an artist from South Gloucestershire, warned: “I worry about the 22-year-old graduate who has no idea how to get into a career, or how to even find any work, who then just feels completely undervalued.”
• An anonymous artist from Leamington Spa revealed industry pressure: “We’re being told to bring our heads out of the sand,” noting that CEOs are recommending AI use while “the people who will be enriched by AI are at the top.”

The broader context: Creative professionals report increasing pressure to incorporate AI into their work despite philosophical objections.

• Some artists describe AI as “fast-food” creativity that prioritizes speed over thoughtful creation.
• The anonymous artist noted: “AI is ‘fast-food’. We never stop to think about whether we should – it’s always whether we could.”

Council response: Bristol City Council acknowledged the criticism and committed to policy improvements.

• The council distributed guides to Bristol residents and some surrounding areas, with no plans for additional print runs.
• “While AI presents exciting opportunities for local authorities to improve and adapt their services, we recognise the strong feelings expressed by residents,” Dyer said.
• The council has since updated its AI guidance following the booklet’s commission.