A Creative Future: DACS submits evidence to the House of Lords
DACS brings together leading voices in the arts to signpost challenges and opportunities on the horizon for the creative industries.
At a time of rapid technological advancement, many working in the cultural and creative industries are embracing NFTs, blockchain, immersive and interactive technology and AI in their work.
DACS submitted evidence to the House of Lords Communications and Digital select committee inquiry A Creative Future, bringing together a range of leading voices in the field of emerging technologies, including artists and artist collectives, galleries and NFT experts.
In its submission, DACS gave examples of how creators are utilising these tools to access new audiences and opportunities, and spoke to arts institutions who operate at the forefront of technology and provide the spaces and facilities for artists to upskill and grow their talent.
This inquiry seeks to examine the changing landscape for the creative industries, and explore how the sector can be better supported. Our evidence is drawn from first-hand experience of visual artists, galleries and experts who have led the way in embracing new technology. The UK has an opportunity to be a world leader in developing talent in emerging technologies, but the government must ensure artists and creators are supported by a strong copyright framework and fairly rewarded for their work
Head of Policy & International at DACS
The evidence demonstrates not only the opportunities emerging technologies can represent for visual artists, but the pivotal role creative talent also plays in driving further development by utilising these new tools in innovative ways. Without the right skills training and a strong supportive regulatory framework, the UK’s opportunity to continue as a global leader in the face of such rapid change will be lost.
In order to ensure artists are fairly paid and included in the economic ecosystem of developing technologies, DACS has made the following recommendations to government:
Urgently address the text and data mining exception to copyright which will unfairly harm creators seeking to work within the AI space.
Implement the Smart Fund as a way to deliver equitable remuneration to artists, especially those who create digital works or works utilising emerging technologies.
Consider regulation of NFTs as cryptoassets to promote trust and consumer confidence.
Consider creating a legal liability on online platforms so that creators can have trust in and benefit from the use of their work on online platforms and emerging marketplaces.
You can read the full submission by DACS here.
